I think I might have won this one; took my car to the garage cos it was making a funny noise when braking (had already checked the pads).

Up on the lift and he says I need a new track rod end - couple of hours labour plus parts.

Took it in and later got a phone call - they cant get the track rod off (the inner ball joint) so they have ordered a new inner ball joint as well and will replace them both - OK I say.

Left the car with them overnight and got another phone call to say all the bits are fitted and it's still making a noise - now needs a lower ball joint as well - got the final bill - a shade over £200, which was less than I expected - they've only charged me for a half hours labour.

I bet they claw it back next time.

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One day it will all be firewood.

Depending on the car the parts should have been less than £50 for track rod end and lower ball joint.
Thats some labour rate they are charging for 1/2 hours labour!
A well equiped garage should be able to change a track rod end in about 5 mins!
1/2 - 1 hour would be normal for lower ball joint.

Changing a track rod end does not involve any "inner ball joints". If the track rod end will not come off you would normally need to replace the steering rack.

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Mike

It's a VW so the parts tend to be a bit pricey (and got my terminology slightly wrong) : -

Track rod end £51
Inner track rod end £38
Lower arm £58
Plus VAT

Now don't go and spoil it Mike, I was happy with £200.

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One day it will all be firewood.

If it was still making the same noise after the first two parts were changed then I'd say they didn't need changing - so why should you pay for parts you didn't need?

It's done 180K miles, there was a lot of movement in the top joint, it definitely needed doing.

(I don't know if it was the same noise, but was told it was still making a noise, it's fine now).

Still smiling.

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One day it will all be firewood.