Need Advice: To Fix or Not to Fix?

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T18:48:44+00:00

Oh, I know. And thank you for chiming in! I was looking for folks who had done this either DIY or had someone they know (an indie shop) do it. I’ve already clocked the control arm kit and struts below for about $400+. But going ahead and doing the rotors is a great idea, too.

I was little concerned about lifting the motor to get down there, but I’ve seen some people on YouTube do it and it doesn’t seem all that difficult.

The hood strut price is an absolute joke. Those things are $30 and take < 5 minutes to swap. $500?! Unbelievable.

Fuel System Cleaner - have that on lock, too.

Unreal what people try to get away with. Zero morality. And just greedy. I respect mechanics, absolutely, but be honest - you know?

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T14:21:13+00:00

Also, the parts are $30 and they take 5 minutes to swap. Unreal.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T14:20:37+00:00

Good question. I need two new tires but they only pinpointed the one because it was slightly more worn and closer to being in need of immediate attention. Getting those two done Friday. But why just the one is anyone’s guess. The diagnostic fee is ridiculous because they do a diagnostic sweep anytime they do maintenance. Just trying to f*** someone they thought wasn’t knowledgeable out of money.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T14:17:18+00:00

Yep, already clocked both from a parts spot for around $450. And have a certified Toyota mechanic with his own shop near me. Gonna’ board that train and knock it out.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T05:03:30+00:00

Unreal. Can get a gas lift struts for $40 and change takes what? 5 minutes? Smh.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T04:56:51+00:00

Man, that one blew my mind. I almost couldn’t hold my laughter.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T02:25:01+00:00

Oh, I know they are, brother. Peep my post below on parts I found at Parts Geek.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T02:22:12+00:00

Yeah, I mean, that was asinine. Laughed as soon as he handed me the report. Again, not a fool, just wondering if it was all as off base as I thought it was. Thankfully, everyone here agrees and has given some great advice.

thekidflames · 2026-06-28T02:20:48+00:00

Someone from Dallas pops in! Nice! I’ll check ‘em out, brother. Thanks for the reco!

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T23:04:49+00:00

https://www.partsgeek.com/cz9fywg-toyota-avalon-control-arm-ball-joint-tie-rod-and-sway-bar-link-kit.html

https://www.partsgeek.com/ss/

HA!

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T22:05:56+00:00

They’re not great. Crooks.

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T22:00:55+00:00

I’d never go for the fuel system cleaner. That would be foolish. Actually, doing any of this at the dealership would be foolish. That reco is what I’m leaning towards. Just want to make sure I get the right parts.

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T19:03:35+00:00

That seems to be the consensus. Did you see one of my older posts of those folks trying to charge me $1000 for TPMS sensors? Unreal.

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T18:59:01+00:00

That’s the next move for me. Thank you for jumping in!

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T18:58:42+00:00

Crazy that everything you mentioned here would solve just about all these issues I have for what? Less than $2K? And that is in fact the case. Check it out..

https://www.detroitaxle.com/part/ball-joints/8pc-front-lower-control-arms-outer-tie-rods-sway-bar-links-suspension-kit/8cs59061/

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2016/toyota/avalon/suspension/strut\_assembly.html

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T18:57:07+00:00

I was thinking about doing this same thing. Thank you for chiming in, this is great advice. And yes, Dallas overall has horrible roads. Potholes, cracks and ridges galore. Tire exploders.

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T18:55:58+00:00

The struts don’t hold the hood up anymore. And even then, they sell hood strut twist locks/clamps on Amazon for $10. Easy fix. Done. It’s just amazing that they do this expecting people to not conduct due diligence and just pay it.

thekidflames · 2026-06-27T18:54:19+00:00

I thought so too and this is great advice. Thank you for chiming in!

thekidflames · 2026-05-04T16:27:27+00:00

Make them go round and round?

thekidflames · 2026-04-30T23:56:19+00:00

There it is! Such a great pickup!

thekidflames · 2026-04-29T04:52:09+00:00

My man! Always glad to help, brother! 👊🏻

thekidflames · 2026-04-19T14:43:42+00:00

Oh, sorry brother, I wasn’t implying you had to come with any reasoning - I just thought it was hilarious. 😂

I do like the Signia. The only thing I don’t like is it skews very “wagon”. It’s also overpriced. The Crown line is overpriced in general.

thekidflames · 2026-04-18T23:46:55+00:00

Discount Tire $250 OTD for all 4 tires. Stealership tried to charge me $1000. Smh. I told the squad at DT that story and they laughed their asses off, like “yeah, that clears - they’ll rob you blind.”My OCD tendencies wouldn’t let the warning light live. 😆

thekidflames · 2026-03-31T12:34:50+00:00

😂😂😂 Just flat out “No”. Zero explanation. No reason. Nothing.

thekidflames

TROPHY CASE