Brakes and Tierod?

[bhs91]

Went to get a couple tires for my wife's van and they said that the back brakes were 90% wore down and the front Tierod is loose. I chose not to fix either until I can investigate. Approximately how long do i have with the brakes and how vital is a "tight" tie rod? Financially it would help me if I could wait until we get our tax return back, but at the same time I DON'T want to put my wife and kids in harms way.

Thanks,

BHS

[katophil]

If your not sure what you are looking for, take it some where else and get another look. Most small shops will not charge you or very little. Ask your friends if they have a good tech that will look at for you.

[thenewguy]

If the brakes are that worn, and you let them go to the point that it is metal-on-metal, it will not only be dangerous but the cost of repair can go up a bunch. A loose tie rod means that your alignment may be incorrect. I would think that would be okey for a little while (at the expence of wear on the front tires).

[Jeremy airjer W]

You have until the brakes start grinding and the tie rod breaks.

80% of the automotive business is opinion. Bring your vehicle to ten different shops and you'll get 8 different opinions on what needs to be fixed.

There is no way we would be able to tell you what condition the tie rod is is. If it is really sloppy than it should be changed as soon as possible. If it is just starting to show some play than you have some time. I use a 1-5 system for front end parts. 1 being not so bad and 5 being on the verge of broke.

I agree with Katophil, a second opinion will give you a better idea.

[bhs91]

Got the brakes done, $91 at a local place that I always use which was a drastic improvement from the $212 that the tire place wanted to charge me. Always pays to shop around. Still waiting for anestimate on the tierod.

Thanks for the info!

BHS