Twisties
Test Drive
- Location
- Cortez, CO
This is in general, because by the time I'm done it will involve suspension, brakes and tires, and I guess it will be long and convoluted....
I got the new to me 2011 PRO-4X at the end of July with 110k miles and knew from the test drive that it needed new suspension. The vehicle is tippy at highway speeds, and has a vibration in the steering wheel, also at highway speeds. I've posted previously, and you have given me advice. I didn't do anything right away because the dealer had problems getting me the title. I had already changed all the fluids, and decided to put a hold on any further expenditures until the title issue was resolved.
Finally got it titled and tagged at the end of September and am returning my attention to the suspension. So, it's a small town and I don't think we have any dedicated suspension shops, but Big O Tire garnered several recommendations. I was thinking of getting the Bilstein 6112 coil overs front and 5100's rear and installing myself, but that leaves any potential issues with rubber bits and anything else unaddressed, plus I'm running out of warm weather to do it, and Shock Surplus has been in and out of stock constantly. But, it does have the advantage of getting the front springs replaced. So I got in to Big O for a suspension inspection, which was complimentary.
They came back saying I needed new rear brakes and rotors. They do not machine rotors. Described the oem 4600's as rusty but not leaking and did not recommend replacement. Apparently didn't find any problems with rubber bits, ball joints or other.
So, I asked them rotate and balance the tires, and to quote me a set of Bilstein 5100's all the way around.
So, then they get to work on that and find a tire is out of round, which they describe as separation. They recommend replacing two tires and keeping them on the same axle with each other going forward. The tires are BF Goodrich All-Terrain LT265/75R 16's and appear to be pretty close to new, based on tread depth. But, buying the vehicle used, I don't have any warranty. Anyway, they now think that's the source of my vibration.
So, then I got the quote for the shocks, brakes and tires.
They want over $1k for the shocks themselves, plus 4 hours labor, and another $100 for an alignment after. I can get the shocks from Shock Surplus for $485 and they will install at a higher labor rate, $149/hr vs $115/hr.
For the brakes they quote $58 for pads, $222 for rotors, and an hour of labor.
For the tires, their quotes are competitive, but I would appreciate comments on whether I should replace all one, two or all four, and what kind. The vehicle will be used around town, winter driving in the CO mountains and on trails.
Anyway, I was previously told on this forum that all rubber bits are suspect and should be replaced, that the shocks are surely shot, and I ought to replace springs front and rear while I'm at it.
Here are my questions:
Regarding the shocks and struts: Assuming I buy from Shock Surplus, does 4 hours ($600) labor plus an alignment ($100) sound right for installation?
Regarding brakes, is replacement of the rotors pretty much standard with the pads?
Regarding the tires, what do you think I ought to do?
Does anyone know of a trusted suspension shop the 4-corners area?
I got the new to me 2011 PRO-4X at the end of July with 110k miles and knew from the test drive that it needed new suspension. The vehicle is tippy at highway speeds, and has a vibration in the steering wheel, also at highway speeds. I've posted previously, and you have given me advice. I didn't do anything right away because the dealer had problems getting me the title. I had already changed all the fluids, and decided to put a hold on any further expenditures until the title issue was resolved.
Finally got it titled and tagged at the end of September and am returning my attention to the suspension. So, it's a small town and I don't think we have any dedicated suspension shops, but Big O Tire garnered several recommendations. I was thinking of getting the Bilstein 6112 coil overs front and 5100's rear and installing myself, but that leaves any potential issues with rubber bits and anything else unaddressed, plus I'm running out of warm weather to do it, and Shock Surplus has been in and out of stock constantly. But, it does have the advantage of getting the front springs replaced. So I got in to Big O for a suspension inspection, which was complimentary.
They came back saying I needed new rear brakes and rotors. They do not machine rotors. Described the oem 4600's as rusty but not leaking and did not recommend replacement. Apparently didn't find any problems with rubber bits, ball joints or other.
So, I asked them rotate and balance the tires, and to quote me a set of Bilstein 5100's all the way around.
So, then they get to work on that and find a tire is out of round, which they describe as separation. They recommend replacing two tires and keeping them on the same axle with each other going forward. The tires are BF Goodrich All-Terrain LT265/75R 16's and appear to be pretty close to new, based on tread depth. But, buying the vehicle used, I don't have any warranty. Anyway, they now think that's the source of my vibration.
So, then I got the quote for the shocks, brakes and tires.
They want over $1k for the shocks themselves, plus 4 hours labor, and another $100 for an alignment after. I can get the shocks from Shock Surplus for $485 and they will install at a higher labor rate, $149/hr vs $115/hr.
For the brakes they quote $58 for pads, $222 for rotors, and an hour of labor.
For the tires, their quotes are competitive, but I would appreciate comments on whether I should replace all one, two or all four, and what kind. The vehicle will be used around town, winter driving in the CO mountains and on trails.
Anyway, I was previously told on this forum that all rubber bits are suspect and should be replaced, that the shocks are surely shot, and I ought to replace springs front and rear while I'm at it.
Here are my questions:
Regarding the shocks and struts: Assuming I buy from Shock Surplus, does 4 hours ($600) labor plus an alignment ($100) sound right for installation?
Regarding brakes, is replacement of the rotors pretty much standard with the pads?
Regarding the tires, what do you think I ought to do?
Does anyone know of a trusted suspension shop the 4-corners area?
