98 camry: rear wheel suspension problem

[kokyaw]

Hi all,
I am new here and I've browsing the forum. It seems many people here are active and give great suggestions for many problems people face with their cars.

I have a camry 98 v6 3.0L. The problem started when I went to pepboys to change my tires two days ago. They told me the lateral arm in the rear suspension is not working properly and therefore they can't do the alignment. (is it true? I know almost none about suspension and car in general.)

Then they called the dealer for the cost of that arm (~$168). Is that price reasonable? The labor will cost about another $60-70.

Since I am putting new tires as well and the total cost will be around $900 which was not something I expected when I went to pepboys. please give me some insights.

Thanks a lot!

[BMR]

One of the lateral suspension arms has a threaded "turnbuckle" built into it which is used to adjust the toe in/out. So if the threads on that are buggered or rusted tight, that would prevent them from being able to adjust the alignment. I know on my '92 those arms are about that price. So yeah, that seems reasonable.

[Mike Gerber]

I had to replace a rear lateral control rod on my 94 Camry about 18 months ago. It's usually the rubber bushing in the rod that goes. The prices they are charging you seem about right.

Mike

[kokyaw]

Thanks a lot guys. I feel better now.