struts (yet again)

[gfl@cc.bellcore.com (grant f lenahan)]

> Subject: Struts ?????
>I have a 4kq (1986 152kmiles) That is in much need of rear struts, on
>any un-smooth road (most of CT) the rear end kinda like bounces side to
>side and all over the road, kinda scary!!!  Now when braking hard it
>does the same???????

>I'm on a very tight budget (well I just got
>married a few weeks ago and well.....YOU KNOW!!!) So I went a Midas
>which told me it would cost $179.99 for the rear and $179.99+strut
>bearings+front alignment.  My normal audi guy want about $200 a strut
>installed???  I love the car, but at $800+ dollors vs. 432.

John-

(1) While I'm sure your struts are toast at 150k, your
braking story leads me to believe that you are suffering
from worn-out control arm bushings.  When the rears go, the
tail wags around uncontrollably under braking - the car can almost
go sideways (a little).

(2) The Modas story already sounds incompetant.  You always
need a 4-wheel allignment in a q.  In addition, the REAR
toe will be lost when they do the rears, so you need an 
allignment even if you do just the rears.

(3) Typical labor for install is about $250-300.  Typical
charge for a 4-wheel allignment is $80+.  You can buy good
struts for about $140/pair-$150/pr.

Check your bushings first.  Then check that Midas
knows what they are doing (maybe you just related the
story loosely).

Does Midas really know its a Q?

Grant