I took my care in for service this week and had a very unwelcome surprise. I was told that the front stabilizer bar link was leaking grease and the boots were torn. The job cost over $500. I am having a hard time accepting that this job cost this much money. I spoke to a friend who is a mechanic and it was his opinion that I overpaid. I want to trust this dealership. It is the only establishment I have ever taken my car. I have tried to call the service writer the last two days for an explanation of why it cost so much but he has not been there. I am going to try again tomorrow. If anyone has had this job done, please share what it cost you. Thank you.
It is funny, but my experience, second opinion mechanics always seem to say this, friend or otherwise. I don't know why this is. From your description, I'm not exactly sure what work you have had done. Did you have a strut (or a shock absorber) replaced?
That's what my friend thought it was, but the service manager was not able to confirm that's what it was. I did find another post on this on PriusChat right after I posted. He paid in the ballpark of what I did. Should I repair noisy sway bar links and sway bar bushings? | PriusChat
Stab link replacement is very common. Usually you'll hear some squeaks and clunking over bumps. What your pissed about is the $500 but at the dealer your at $150 so thats simple math there.... it adds up fast. You need to find a decent mechanic as there is nothing unusual about the front end of the car its like any other car. What I will tell you though is if you find a mechanic buy OEM Toyota Stab links online and have a mechanic install them. Up on a rack its about an hour. Anything other than OEM parts is a waste of your time. There's so much China crap out now in suspension parts. Like Moog which is is complete crap now. Or any other crap you will buy at a parts store. Here you go...there $83 a piece you need 2. So the dealer is drilling you for 2 hours so really not that out of line at all.....at the dealer. 2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Toyota Parts Superstore Indie mechanics charge about $80 an hour here. But be aware if the stab links are blown out there's alot more hidden gems up front. Like CV's & struts & ball joints & brakes & the rack. Stabs may be the least of your issues. How many miles on your 04?
