This is my experience and thoughts:
I called early in the afternoon to have my work van inspected after hearing an intermittent, deep grinding noise and high-pitched brake-like squealing while (initially) driving at freeway speeds, even when I wasn't pressing the brakes.
After inspecting it, the shop told me both lower control arms need to be replaced along with all four brake rotors and pads. They explained that the worn control arm ball joint was positioning the control arms abnormally, supposedly causing the ABS sensor to behave erratically and the brake master cylinder to increase brake pressure slightly. The explanation sounded unusual, but I proceeded based on their diagnosis. I also requested a brake fluid flush.
I was quoted approximately $2,050. When I asked whether the parts were available and the work could be completed that day, they assured me everything was in stock and would be finished before closing. This is a fleet vehicle I need for my HVAC job, so I called my boss, received authorization, and approved the work. I then went to the movie theater across the street while they worked.
Around 4:40 p.m., near the end of my movie, they called to say their supplier, which I believe was Parts Authority, didn't have one of the two lower control arms after all. They said the van would need to stay overnight and offered to arrange an Uber home.
That wasn't an option I could reasonably accept because I had scheduled work the following day. I walked back to the shop and called the nearest AutoZone on the way. They confirmed they had both driver-side and passenger-side control arms available.
When I suggested the shop get the part there, the representative told me they don't use AutoZone because they consider its parts quality subpar. Almost immediately afterward, an O'Reilly Auto Parts delivery driver arrived with a brand-new axle. I pointed out the irony and asked why O'Reilly's was acceptable but AutoZone wasn't.
The representative then informed me that the axle was for my van because they had accidentally damaged or destroyed the original during the repair. They said the replacement would be provided at no additional charge. This was the first time anyone had told me about the damage. After some back and forth, the representative went to speak with someone and, about five minutes later, returned to say they had located the missing control arm through another supplier after all.
I stayed while they finished, having been assured the van would be ready that day.
Before they lowered the vehicle, I inspected the work. The new front and rear rotors and pads and both lower control arms appeared to be installed. The replacement axle was also provided at no additional charge. The work included all four brakes, both lower control arms and bushings, the replacement axle, and a brake fluid service.
When I checked the brake fluid reservoir, however, the fluid was a blue/green. I questioned the representative, who initially identified it as DOT 3 BrakeBest, an O'Reilly Auto Parts brand. To me it seems like there's still plenty of old dark fluid causing the color change so I'm not confident a brake flush was properly preformed.
I also called the shop afterward to ask whether they recommend a wheel alignment following the replacement of both lower control arms. I was told an alignment is only recommended if the vehicle pulls to one side. That answer surprised me because replacing suspension components can affect alignment even when a vehicle doesn't noticeably pull. I would have expected the alignment to at least be checked or the need for one clearly discussed.
The van felt reasonably normal on the drive home, although the brakes felt like they were bedding in. I cannot yet comment on the long-term quality of the repairs.
I appreciate that the shop completed the work that day and replaced the damaged axle at no additional charge. However, the changing story about parts availability, the last-minute possibility of losing my work vehicle overnight, the unexpected disclosure about the damaged axle, and the unanswered questions about the brake fluid and alignment left me with little confidence in the overall experience.
I understand that unexpected complications happen in automotive repair. What disappointed me was the communication and the lack of clear answers. I spent a little over $2,000 and left with concerns that should have been addressed before the vehicle was returned.
Two stars. The work was completed, but the overall experience left me with more questions than confidence. read more