Chrysler Town and Country Repair Question :: 1998 Chrysler Town and Country  New Struts Squeak


Author: cameronc
Subject: 1998 Chrysler Town and Country  New Struts SqueakPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 2:49 pm (GMT -8)

Suspension problem

1998 Chrysler Town and Country  6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 135509 miles



Had the right front strut break.  Mechanic said both front struts had to be replaced and the car had to have a front end alignment. Plus a new axle. Spent $700.



Now both struts squeak or groan over every bump, sometimes quite loudly, and the car pulls heavily to the left.  Steering wheel vibrates when car is moving, as if the car is not aligned or there is a problem with the tires.



Mechanic says he has no idea why the struts squeak/groan.  Says the pull is because both rear tires are in bad condition, which they are.  Thinks the vibrating steering wheel is because front tires are out of balance.  The bad tires were originally in the front but were rotated to the rear.  Mechanic has offered to put rotate all the tires back.



After spending $700 and knowing I will soon need to spend $200 for the tires, I am very unhappy.  I worry that the squeak means the struts will have a greatly reduced life.  I cannot afford to buy the tires now but I know the good tires are being ruined because of the pull and/or balance.



What should I do?  Borrow the money and buy the tires to see if everything but the squeak/groan goes away?  Mechanic says to do that.  I'm afraid that won't work and I'll have another repair bill plus the cost of the tires.  Plus the struts will still squeak.



Thanks in advance for your advice.



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