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Kia is saying they can't do an alignment because of too much rust. Car from Chicago, now in Tampa. Asking $3.5k for repair
(i.imgur.com)
Can an expert identify from these pictures if this is really true? It's a 2015 Kia Optima. I'm the original owner, used to live in Chicago but now I'm in Tampa. They say they've never seen anything like it, but that's probably cause they're from FL. They said they can't do an alignment because they can't loosen something to get the equipment in. I would need to replace the following for around $3.5k:
• Tie Rod End Replacement: left front inner and outer tie rod ends with new nut • Control Arm- Rear: both rear lower control arms and hardware • Trailing Arm: both rear arms and hardware
It doesnt look good, chief. Ive worked on worse but it was my own junk. Theres a bit of rust but not that much. The bushing on the lower control arm is probably toast and the nut and bolt will need to be replaced, not sure if kias control arm bushings can be replaced or the whole arm has to go. Your inner tie rod end threads are gone in that picture which means they really cant adjust your alignment. Im not sure what is the defective part about the trailing arm. If you want a second opinion take it to another shop but theyre probably going to tell you the same thing once they lift it. Suspension work takes time and shop time is expensive most of that quote is gonna be for mechanic hours and not parts if that helps. How many winters in chicago did you drive this kia through?
That's basically what the rep told me. Shop hours is where this will cost me the most.
I drove it from 2015-2021, so it's been a few winters.
The rust has hit all the exposed metal surfaces that didnt have paint or some other protection like grease or oil, which reminds of northeastern winters and the salt damage. The threads on the tie rod have collected all that water/salt/slush mixture and made them dissolve, the bushing problem probably wasnt caused by that, but there is no way to guarantee that. Florida has rust problems but not usually under the car unless someone spends time driving through salt water. Why are you looking to get an alignment? Are you feeling vibrations or constant pulling in the steering wheel when driving?
The steering wheel is very slightly off center and when I'm driving at high speeds the car doesn't stay center. I basically have to adjust it constantly when driving on highways. It's not the biggest deal in the world tho. I thought for $115 Ill get it fixed but then they came back with $3.5k.