How much will it cost to replace struts on Cirrus?

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November 7, 2009

Auto Scanner The Salem News Sat Nov 07, 2009, 06:00 AM EST

Q: I have a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus with 30,000 miles. There is a rattle when on a bumpy road, and I have been told it has something to do with the strut. I really have no mechanical knowledge and would appreciate your guidance. Does this sound like the correct diagnosis? What would be an approximate fair price for the repair?

A: The rattle on bumpy roads may indeed be the Macpherson struts. Or maybe not. Your car is known for stabilizer bar bushings being a problem, as well. I am amazed at only 30,000 miles on your Cirrus, but that's all the more reason for a close look at the stabilizer bar bushings. If, however, it turns out that you do need front struts, the struts from Napa list out at $110 each. The labor should be approximately two hours of the posted labor rate. After the work is done, a front-end alignment is in order. So figure on around $370 for the struts installed plus the cost of alignment. More importantly, check the stabilizer bar bushings before installing the new struts.

Q: My son owns a 2002 Lincoln LS, V6 engine that has a problem with overheating, but only when it's in heavy stop-and-go traffic. We had the hydraulic cooling fan replaced ($942) after the dealer scanned it and said that was the problem. About a week later, it was overheating again, and the dealer said he could find nothing wrong. If we turn the heat on high and hot, it does cool down somewhat. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, as I can find no repair books for this vehicle.

A: A cylinder head gasket test should be performed first. Cylinder head gaskets are a terrible failure item on this car. If the cylinder head gasket has not failed, next look for movement of the coolant in the radiator. If the coolant is not moving, consider doing a quality flush of the cooling system with a BG cooling system service. Finally, if this still does not resolve the problem, pull the water pump and check for deteriorated fins on the water pump impeller.

Q: I have a 2005 Honda CRV with 138,000 miles and need four new tires. How do I go about selecting tires? In the past, I have had Bridgestone all-purpose radial tires on it, provided by Honda. I know there are other options. I have not put on snow tires in the past, though I live on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border; I was rear-ended once when two cars behind me could not stop in icy conditions. So I am considering that option, as well. Is there a "consumer report" on brands or types of tires?

A: My personal favorite is the Toyo tire. As it happens, the Toyo was chosen No. 1 in a nationwide independent tire store survey. As far as tire ratings go, you can search the ratings at a few places, my favorite being Consumer Reports magazine. If you Google Toyo tires, you can spend a day or two just reading reports. If you decide to go with snow tires, you should consider doing four snows.

Car Care Tip: Winter is coming whether you are ready or not. Make an appointment with your shop now to have your car prepared for what is supposed to be a very harsh winter.

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Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears every Saturday. Write to Larry at The Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

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