Repair Costs - Help Me Out

[expy09]

Hey, need some help on determining if the repair estimate I have is a rip off or fairly accurate in price.

I've been having front end issues w/ my 03 Expedition so I took it into the local dealership since they will check it out for free.

I think it's a little over priced

1. Replace lower ball joints - $433
2. Replace upper ball joints including control arms - $803

That's the big cost and the other issue is w/ the engine missing

1. Replace #3 coil/plug - $200

Then misc stuff they suggested:

1. Reprogram PCM - $66.50
2. Injector flush - $97
3. Replace fuel filter - $65

Thx for the input!

 

[expy09]

BTW, I live in Orlando, so if anyone can suggest some good repair shops around here, it would be much appreciated...I'm flying blind

 

[Stoned06]

The suspension work takes a bit of time, so that price doesn't sound totally unrealistic. However the Coil pack and plug seems pretty darn high when you can get all 8 plugs replaced for $300-$400. They are probably charging you $80 for the Coil Pack, but you can go to your local auto store and pick one up for $40-50.
I have to ask why they need to reprogram the PCM?
Injector flush? Just buy injector cleaner and put it in your gas tank on your next fill up.
Fuel Filter costs no more than $15 and can be done in your driveway laying on your back in less than 30 minutes. Their charge isn't out of line given a half an hour of labor, but if you can do it, I would save the money.

 

[KWT2000]

the only thing that is reasonable on that price list is the fuel filter.... i was quoted $500 for upper and lower ball joints installed with alignment. you can get a new coil for $40 and change it in less than 15 min for #3. i have mixed feelings about injector cleaning maybe it works but i dont know

 

[expy09]

The suspension work takes a bit of time, so that price doesn't sound totally unrealistic. However the Coil pack and plug seems pretty darn high when you can get all 8 plugs replaced for $300-$400. They are probably charging you $80 for the Coil Pack, but you can go to your local auto store and pick one up for $40-50.
I have to ask why they need to reprogram the PCM?
Injector flush? Just buy injector cleaner and put it in your gas tank on your next fill up.
Fuel Filter costs no more than $15 and can be done in your driveway laying on your back in less than 30 minutes. Their charge isn't out of line given a half an hour of labor, but if you can do it, I would save the money.

Agreed, I checked around it seemed like the Coil pack & plug seemed pretty overpriced.

In regards the rest, the PCM was probably suggested since it's an older Expy?

Thx for the info about the injector flush I'll do that myself.

In regards to the fuel filter, I can't do any work myself, I'm out of town for the next few months.

 

[expy09]

the only thing that is reasonable on that price list is the fuel filter.... i was quoted $500 for upper and lower ball joints installed with alignment. you can get a new coil for $40 and change it in less than 15 min for #3. i have mixed feelings about injector cleaning maybe it works but i dont know

That's a damn good deal on the ball joints, I'm going to have to make some calls today to get a lower quote.

How hard is it to change the coil? Can I pick one up at local autozone or similiar store? I'm traveling right now so don't have many tools on me.

 

[KWT2000]

That's a damn good deal on the ball joints, I'm going to have to make some calls today to get a lower quote.

How hard is it to change the coil? Can I pick one up at local autozone or similiar store? I'm traveling right now so don't have many tools on me.

it is only one bolt and one plug. coils 1-6 are very easy to change takes 15-30 tops and most parts stores carry them for about 40$

 

[Stoned06]

#3 coil shouldn't be too difficult, but if you are out of town away from your tools, it might be a bit tricky. You will need a 7mm (I think) socket to get the coil pack off, and then the correct plug wrench. I don't know if you will need any extensions on the socket though to give you a better angle or not (like I needed on #8!!!) Coil can be picked up at Auto Zone, Advance Auto or the like for around $40-$50.

 

[expy09]

it is only one bolt and one plug. coils 1-6 are very easy to change takes 15-30 tops and most parts stores carry them for about 40$

Ok thanks for the info

 

[expy09]

#3 coil shouldn't be too difficult, but if you are out of town away from your tools, it might be a bit tricky. You will need a 7mm (I think) socket to get the coil pack off, and then the correct plug wrench. I don't know if you will need any extensions on the socket though to give you a better angle or not (like I needed on #8!!!) Coil can be picked up at Auto Zone, Advance Auto or the like for around $40-$50.

Good to know, I left my good tools at home, so I'll just let the shop handle it...

 

[rptr00]

why are they replacing upper control arms with the ball joints? never heard of a control arm going bad...

 

[04DrBlur]

The upper ball joint at Autozone is 32.99. The whole upper control arm with bushings and ball joint is 38.99. I just got one 3 days ago. The lower ball joint is a different story. Both upper and lower ball joint are considered "not serviceable" or pressed in. The lower is sold seperately without the control arm.

 

[seeker]

I have the 2002 model and never re-flashed my ecm. Sounds like they are re- flashing your wallet. Number 3 cop is easy enough. Fuel filter is easy as well. I have used Seafoam twice on my engine/fuel as per the label. It works better than most others I have used over the years.
It never hurts to ask you buddies were they take their vehicles for service.
Get two or three different quotes.

 

[expy09]

why are they replacing upper control arms with the ball joints? never heard of a control arm going bad...

They made it seem like when you replace the ball joints, you have to do the control arms as well.

The upper ball joint at Autozone is 32.99. The whole upper control arm with bushings and ball joint is 38.99. I just got one 3 days ago.
The lower ball joint is a different story. Both upper and lower ball joint are considered "not serviceable" or pressed in. The lower is sold seperately without the control arm.

Thx for explaining that, so do you think it is a requirement to do the upper control arms when the upper ball joints are replaced?

I have the 2002 model and never re-flashed my ecm. Sounds like they are re- flashing your wallet. Number 3 cop is easy enough. Fuel filter is easy as well. I have used Seafoam twice on my engine/fuel as per the label. It works better than most others I have used over the years.
It never hurts to ask you buddies were they take their vehicles for service.
Get two or three different quotes.

LOL, yeah I'm not buying the reflash of my ECM. I think they just suggested it since I have an older Expedition....I'm going to pass on that offer

 

[aircargoo]

better off buying everything and bringing it to shop,,,,,but your in orlando....lol to get a decent shop over there SUCS BIG TIME....everyone there thinks there a pro...i lived there for 3 1/2 years...along rt 436 and rt 50....theres nobody there u can trust.

everyone there is OVER PRICED.....good luck...

wish i could help...i know AREA very well...i had a chevy iroc 89 and a ford e350....did mostely my own work....

u might find a decent shop on SOBTrail....south of i-4.

 

[expy09]

Well that's not encouraging...but you are correct, I've been calling around all morning and the prices are way too high.

Just got a quote of $1683 including labor to do the following. May be my best deal...

1. Replace lower ball joints
2. Replace upper ball joints including control arms
3. Alignment
4. Fuel Filter
5. Replace #3 coil/plug

 

[KWT2000]

THATS NUTS!!!!!!!!! you could buy the lower balljoint service tool and top of the line ball joints fot $250-300 and do it your self and about $20 for the fuel filter and the fuel line release tool and about $50 for the coil... thats the reason i dont let shops work on my stuff. as for the upper ball joints on the 97-03 4x4 you gotta to the upper control arms with them

 

[expy09]

I agree, the cost is insane...but I'm out town right now and I have to get this fixed before I leave...reason being I'm buying a travel trailer and have to tow it back home and I'm not interested in towing a 6,000 trailer with bad ball joints and engine issues.

I called another shop and they'll do the work for $1355 or $1625 which includes replacing all plugs at one time.

Going to get another quote and see what I'm faced with...I was hoping I could keep it under 1k.

The Ford dealership of course is saying they are better b/c they only use "Ford" parts and the rest of the places are suggesting I replace all plugs since they are the original factory plugs.

 

[KWT2000]

i can understand your point. how bad are the balljoints? if the play is minimal less than half inch you will be fine to get home. just a thought but i would do the tuneup and fuel filter your gonna need the power to tow with good luck

 

[ELVATO]

Hah, where'd you go, to Greenway off of 417? Are you in Orlando right now? I'm at school right now, but will be off in a couple hours. Fuel filter shouldn't be too hard if it's like mine.

I have a service manual so I'll take a look at it. I'll be online for the next hour or so.

Is your filter here?
http://expeditionforum.com/showthread.php?t=2994&highlight=fuel+filter

Also, is your Expy 4x4?