Stabalizer links were part of a recall (don't know if your's is
involved, if it was you would have received info in the mail) during
the Firestone tire recall. Something about the link bolt possible
breakage.

If by tie rod links they mean tie rod ends, replacing these on my
truck cured a front suspension knock over bumps issue.


On 31 May 2005 07:50:05 -0700, wrote:

>Was just hoping that someone might have an opinion as to whether my
>dealer might be trying to take advantage of me. Dropped my 99 Explorer
>XLT V-6 SOHC (69,000 miles) off at the dealer this morning for what I
>thought was a slipping serpentine belt. Calls me a few hours later and
>tells me that it was actually the pulley and arm (???) that controls
>the tension in the belt and that it would be about $375 to fix. OK, I
>think to myself, seems reasonable and I recall something similar on a
>car I owned previously.
>
>Then he tells me he noticed that I need new stabilizer links ($170) and
>tie rod links ($200). Not what I was expecting, but it didn't seem
>totally unreasonable given the age and mileage on the car. But what
>made me start to question his honesty was when he told me I needed a
>new air filter, transmission/differential fluid change, coolant flush,
>etc. I've been religious about getting major services done at a Ford
>dealer every 15K miles, so I know a lot of that was done at the 60K
>mile checkup. He backed off on those items in a hurry when I mentioned
>that the 60K service had been performed by their sister (same owner)
>dealership in another town.
>
>But the fact that he brought it up makes me question his overall
>honesty and the need for the stabilizer links and tie rod end links.
>Anyone have an opinion about the liklihood of those needing replacement
>given the age/mileage of the vehicle? Most of my driving is of the
>"short-trip" variety in NYC suburbs rather than highway. Thanks!