Replace Outer Tie Rod End Boots and Alignment

[peenie 1,906]

You guys...my car needs an outer tie rod boot replacement and alignment. Is this necessary? Can I drive without getting it replaced? My car is 2007 Honda Civic, I keep pouring money into it! Geesh!! The cost will be $391 for the boots and $159 for the alignment. 

[Meglamaniac 397]

I love it when you talk sexy

[thegeneral 3,033]

Johnson Rod is misaligned IMO

[HellToupee 1,635]

Is it just transportation? $550 to keep a 2007 on the road seems reasonable. Do you want something newer? Is $$ an issue? If everything is fine I put the money into it , if you’ve noticed other issues I’d pass

[HellToupee 1,635]

1 minute ago, thegeneral said:

Johnson Rod is misaligned IMO

George nailed it

[Strike 5,307]

How does it run/look otherwise?  Japanese cars are extremely reliable and if it's overall in decent condition and suits your needs, $600 is a lot less than 30k+ for a new car.  My daily driver is a 2006 Toyota 4 runner with 200k miles on it.  Buying a new car just to keep up with the Joneses is the biggest waste of money and so many people do it. 

[Mike Honcho 5,189]

4 minutes ago, Strike said:

How does it run/look otherwise?  Japanese cars are extremely reliable and if it's overall in decent condition and suits your needs, $600 is a lot less than 30k+ for a new car.  My daily driver is a 2006 Toyota 4 runner with 200k miles on it.  Buying a new car just to keep up with the Joneses is the biggest waste of money and so many people do it. 

She says she keep pouring money into it though.  I agree though, if you can get a good car and take care of it though, you can make em last forever.  I had a '95 Jeep until 2017.  Everything was great, just didn't make sense for me since the equipment in my business is so much smaller now there wasn't much point in putting up with the horrible gas mileage.

13 minutes ago, peenie said:

You guys...my car needs an outer tie rod boot replacement and alignment. Is this necessary? Can I drive without getting it replaced? My car is 2007 Honda Civic, I keep pouring money into it! Geesh!! The cost will be $391 for the boots and $159 for the alignment. 

You need to let us know how much money you are pouring into the car, what's been going wrong and over what time period to really determine if it's better to keep it vs looking at upgrading.  

[peenie 1,906]

In November 2024, I had an oil change, 2 rear tires replaced, an alignment and a new battery: $914

Then yesterday, on my way to work, in rush hour traffic, my car suddenly seized up as I was trying to make a right turn and then it died. I could barely turn the steering wheel. Let me tell you, it was terrifying because people were cursing me and threatening me. I put my hazard lights on, but people were still mad. I called the police to help manage the traffic, called my insurance company to get a tow. After 2.5 hours, the tow never came, and the police said I could no longer sit there with my vehicle. They called their towing company, and it arrived in 10 minutes. I was towed to the Honda dealership service center. Apparently, I had no oil in my car (or just a little bit). I am getting:

Diagnostic: $184
Cam Plug Oil Ring (Drivers Side): $596
Valve Cover Gasket Kit: $217
Oil Change: $69
Brake Flush: $204
Battery Replacement: $170
Clean and Service Battery Terminals: $30

They also suggested the boots thing. I contacted Firestone and asked why I would need a new battery since I just got one in November. They said maybe my alternator or starter is malfunctioning. 

[HellToupee 1,635]

2 minutes ago, peenie said:

Then yesterday, on my way to work, in rush hour traffic, my car suddenly seized up

From no or very low oil. I’d look into another vehicle 

[peenie 1,906]

4 minutes ago, HellToupee said:

From no or very low oil. I’d look into another vehicle 

I think it was very low oil going towards not having any oil. The oil was leaking. 

[Strike 5,307]

22 minutes ago, peenie said:

In November 2024, I had an oil change, 2 rear tires replaced, an alignment and a new battery: $914

Then yesterday, on my way to work, in rush hour traffic, my car suddenly seized up as I was trying to make a right turn and then it died. I could barely turn the steering wheel. Let me tell you, it was terrifying because people were cursing me and threatening me. I put my hazard lights on, but people were still mad. I called the police to help manage the traffic, called my insurance company to get a tow. After 2.5 hours, the tow never came, and the police said I could no longer sit there with my vehicle. They called their towing company, and it arrived in 10 minutes. I was towed to the Honda dealership service center. Apparently, I had no oil in my car (or just a little bit). I am getting:

Diagnostic: $184
Cam Plug Oil Ring (Drivers Side): $596
Valve Cover Gasket Kit: $217
Oil Change: $69
Brake Flush: $204
Battery Replacement: $170
Clean and Service Battery Terminals: $30

They also suggested the boots thing. I contacted Firestone and asked why I would need a new battery since I just got one in November. They said maybe my alternator or starter is malfunctioning. 

1). Dealers will screw you.  I would have it taken to a reputable independent shop and evaluated.  I know there's one in Sacramento if you want to go that far.  The dealers will try to get you to do things you don't need. 

2). You have to do basic maintenance on your car Peenie.  That includes checking the oil once in a while. 

A lot of what you listed above actually isn't unreasonable for an 18 year old car.  I question the need for a replacement battery just like you did if it was replaced a few months ago.

[Strike 5,307]

4 minutes ago, peenie said:

I think it was very low oil going towards not having any oil. The oil was leaking. 

If you're going to have them do the work I would verify that they are fixing the oil leak as well.

[Horseman 2,416]

 Sounds like a car that hasn't been maintained.   Get a newer (not brand new) one and maintain it this time.  A well maintained car can last a lifetime.  

[peenie 1,906]

1 minute ago, Horseman said:

 Sounds like a car that hasn't been maintained.   Get a newer (not brand new) one and maintain it this time.  A well maintained car can last a lifetime.  

Really? I've been maintaining it. I take it to get the oil changes when it's time. I think it just had a leak due to the oil ring being worn out. 

[Horseman 2,416]

4 minutes ago, peenie said:

Really? I've been maintaining it. I take it to get the oil changes when it's time. I think it just had a leak due to the oil ring being worn out. 

You didn't notice the leak until it was so low it froze.  

[peenie 1,906]

18 minutes ago, Horseman said:

You didn't notice the leak until it was so low it froze.  

Yes, I never checked my oil level. In fact, never since I've owned the car, since 2007, have I checked the oil level. 
I just take it in to get an oil change. 

[TheNewGirl 1,398]

1 hour ago, peenie said:

You guys...my car needs an outer tie rod boot replacement and alignment. Is this necessary? Can I drive without getting it replaced? My car is 2007 Honda Civic, I keep pouring money into it! Geesh!! The cost will be $391 for the boots and $159 for the alignment. 

That car is only worth $500. 

[Fnord 2,104]

9 minutes ago, TheNewGirl said:

That car is only worth $500. 

Should be worth more than that unless it's beat to hell. Hondas are generally great cars.

[Mike Honcho 5,189]

58 minutes ago, peenie said:

In November 2024, I had an oil change, 2 rear tires replaced, an alignment and a new battery: $914

Then yesterday, on my way to work, in rush hour traffic, my car suddenly seized up as I was trying to make a right turn and then it died. I could barely turn the steering wheel. Let me tell you, it was terrifying because people were cursing me and threatening me. I put my hazard lights on, but people were still mad. I called the police to help manage the traffic, called my insurance company to get a tow. After 2.5 hours, the tow never came, and the police said I could no longer sit there with my vehicle. They called their towing company, and it arrived in 10 minutes. I was towed to the Honda dealership service center. Apparently, I had no oil in my car (or just a little bit). I am getting:

Diagnostic: $184
Cam Plug Oil Ring (Drivers Side): $596
Valve Cover Gasket Kit: $217
Oil Change: $69
Brake Flush: $204
Battery Replacement: $170
Clean and Service Battery Terminals: $30

They also suggested the boots thing. I contacted Firestone and asked why I would need a new battery since I just got one in November. They said maybe my alternator or starter is malfunctioning. 

Not including alternator or starter, you are at  $1,861.  And the car is leaking oil. If you park in the same place and didn't notice it, it might be leaking only when pressurized. Perhaps, they have identified where the oil is leaking and can fix it, but I have never had any luck with a car once it starts leaking oil.  Also, it seems you have other some other issues on the horizon.  

I'm more like you when it comes to cars, don't know a lot about them and just do my best to maintain based on service schedules and such, and relying on the advice of people here.  The more technically proficient like @SUXBNMEand @Strike might have different advice, but if it were me, I might save the 2K that's going to repairs and use it for a down payment on something that is more reliable - if you can swing it.  

[peenie 1,906]

49 minutes ago, Fnord said:

Should be worth more than that unless it's beat to hell. Hondas are generally great cars.

About $1300 

[peenie 1,906]

1 hour ago, TheNewGirl said:

That car is only worth $500. 

A little bit more, but I wouldn't sell it, I'd just give it to a family member or friend in need. 

[Horseman 2,416]

1 hour ago, peenie said:

Yes, I never checked my oil level. In fact, never since I've owned the car, since 2007, have I checked the oil level. 
I just take it in to get an oil change. 

You should have been able to tell it was burning oil. 

[peenie 1,906]

26 minutes ago, Horseman said:

You should have been able to tell it was burning oil. 

I have oil stains in my driveway. I just ignored it. My fault. Just thought it was normal for an old car. 

[jbycho 664]

This is the same person who said she was doing fine financially in life. 

[Nomad99 711]

I wouldn't trust that motor after what happened......

[SUXBNME 1,460]

37 minutes ago, Nomad99 said:

I wouldn't trust that motor after what happened......

That was my first thought if it happened the way peenie said it did. 

Peenie, you got my # if you have any questions. It's kinda what I do for a living. (auto tech) 

[TheNewGirl 1,398]

3 hours ago, peenie said:

I have oil stains in my driveway. I just ignored it. My fault. Just thought it was normal for an old car. 

ANYTHING dripping from your car isn't good, peenie. 

It's not normal for an old or a new car. 

 

[SUXBNME 1,460]

1 minute ago, TheNewGirl said:

ANYTHING dripping from your car isn't good, peenie. 

It's not normal for an old or a new car. 

 

Actually, when running your a/c or defroster you might see water coming from the evaporator tube.  Totally normal.
Also water coming from the exhaust after start up is totally normal also.  
just sayin

[Strike 5,307]

9 minutes ago, SUXBNME said:

Actually, when running your a/c or defroster you might see water coming from the evaporator tube.  Totally normal.
Also water coming from the exhaust after start up is totally normal also.  
just sayin

How about "anything that drips and leaves stains on your driveway isn't good, Peenie?"

Unrelated but I once had a battery explode sitting in my Mom's driveway.   You don't realize the dirt/dust that embeds itself in to your driveway.  This was a white, concrete driveway but it was more slightly off white after years of use.  Except the areas the acid landed on  which were now looking good as new.  She was pissed and kept yelling at me to make the driveway look consistent.  I'm like "Mom, the area I spilled on is actually clean and the rest is all dirty."

[SUXBNME 1,460]

4 hours ago, Strike said:

How about "anything that drips and leaves stains on your driveway isn't good, Peenie?"

 

There ya go 

 

also, blinker fluid leakage is normal to a certain extent, but you knew that.

 

 

 

[Frozenbeernuts 2,184]

If you ran the oil dry it's probably cooked.

[Mike Honcho 5,189]

3 hours ago, Strike said:

How about "anything that drips and leaves stains on your driveway isn't good, Peenie?"

Unrelated but I once had a battery explode sitting in my Mom's driveway.   You don't realize the dirt/dust that embeds itself in to your driveway.  This was a white, concrete driveway but it was more slightly off white after years of use.  Except the areas the acid landed on  which were now looking good as new.  She was pissed and kept yelling at me to make the driveway look consistent.  I'm like "Mom, the area I spilled on is actually clean and the rest is all dirty."

[peenie 1,906]

16 hours ago, jbycho said:

This is the same person who said she was doing fine financially in life. 

Fine, yes; good or great, no. 

[peenie 1,906]

Now, they're telling me I need my oil pan replaced: $1745

[Nomad99 711]

Time for a new used car.....please maintain it......

[jbycho 664]

5 minutes ago, Nomad99 said:

Time for a new used car.....please maintain it......

She's literally poor, and decides to ignore her 20 year old beater leaking quarts of oil all over her driveway. 

This is why we have poor people in this country. 

[peenie 1,906]

2 hours ago, jbycho said:

She's literally poor, and decides to ignore her 20 year old beater leaking quarts of oil all over her driveway. 

This is why we have poor people in this country. 

Listen here you troll-bot, I don't care if you think I'm poor; that's your hangup. Also, I didn't have quarts of oil leaking or else that would've been an obvious problem. I have stain, not a puddle. 

[jbycho 664]

1 minute ago, peenie said:

Listen here you troll-bot, I don't care if you think I'm poor; that's your hangup. Also, I didn't have quarts of oil leaking or else that would've been an obvious problem. I have stain, not a puddle. 

I'm not a "troll-bot". 

And you leaked quarts. Even if not in one spot. You confirmed this. 

And you are poor. 

[SUXBNME 1,460]

3 hours ago, peenie said:

Now, they're telling me I need my oil pan replaced: $1745

Oil pan labor per AllData - 2.5 hours

Aftermarket oil pan - Best Oil Pan for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

[Fnord 2,104]

4 minutes ago, peenie said:

Listen here you troll-bot, I don't care if you think I'm poor; that's your hangup. Also, I didn't have quarts of oil leaking or else that would've been an obvious problem. I have stain, not a puddle. 

JFC, Peenie.

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