Q for the car mechanics - track rod split

rudebhoy

rudebhoy

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Daughter took her car to Kwik Fit this morning for a "free brake test".

They have just come back and told her that the track rod boot is split/perished on both front axles. I did a bit of googling and apparently if they are split, then that will affect the steering. she has never noticed any problems with steering.

Is this likely to be a bit of an unnecessary cash grab?

The car is a 6 yo VW Polo, only done 15k miles.
 
It will affect the steering once grit and water get inside the joint. And it might be an MOT failure if the tester notices them.
 
RichA said:
It will affect the steering once grit and water get inside the joint. And it might be an MOT failure if the tester notices them.
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Thanks. I'm sure it would need addressing if it's right. I was just a bit worried they were making stuff up to get a few quid from a kid, I guess my question was "is this something you would expect on a 6 year old car with 15,000 miles on the clock"?
 
I guess it depends on where and how the car has been driven in it's 6 years.
Replaceable bits of various cars I've owned have failed well within what I'd consider to be their normal life expectancy.

I wouldn't have thought there's any benefit in swindling customers for technicians/mechanics at a place like Kwik Fit.

It's an easy one to check with a torch if you don't mind getting down on the ground.
 
RichA said:
I guess it depends on where and how the car has been driven in it's 6 years.
Replaceable bits of various cars I've owned have failed well within what I'd consider to be their normal life expectancy.
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It was the wife's car from new until she gave it to the daughter a couple of months ago. Used for short commutes to and from work (4 mile round trip). I might go get a 2nd opinion elsewhere.
 
rudebhoy said:
Thanks. I'm sure it would need addressing if it's right. I was just a bit worried they were making stuff up to get a few quid from a kid, I guess my question was "is this something you would expect on a 6 year old car with 15,000 miles on the clock"?
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VW rubber is crap now and doesnt last.If its just the gaiters, you might be able to just have them replaced.
Mileage and age both affect how long they might last.
 
rudebhoy said:
It was the wife's car from new until she gave it to the daughter a couple of months ago. Used for short commutes to and from work (4 mile round trip). I might go get a 2nd opinion elsewhere.
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Just look at it and it will be easy to spot if there is a crack/split in the rubber. It is one of those ' best get it repaired before there is more damage jobs'
 
RichA said:
I guess it depends on where and how the car has been driven in it's 6 years.
Replaceable bits of various cars I've owned have failed well within what I'd consider to be their normal life expectancy.

I wouldn't have thought there's any benefit in swindling customers for technicians/mechanics at a place like Kwik Fit.

It's an easy one to check with a torch if you don't mind getting down on the ground.
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I think they are notorious for making up work that’s not required. Have a quick search, the internet is full of stories off them ripping off customers, especially women.
Best to get a second opinion.
 
Fade and Die said:
I think they are notorious for making up work that’s not required. Have a quick search, the internet is full of stories off them ripping off customers, especially women.
Best to get a second opinion.
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My understanding is the parts are cheap, and an hour’s labour is more than enough to replace them and do the wheel alignment.

They quoted her £460!

Definitely going to get a second opinion.
 
The rod end rubber might well have failed, it’s fairly common as they are part of an exposed and moving assembly.

Worst effect is if the boot goes completely there will be a small (and I mean SMALL) amount of play in the steering.

Track rod end rubbers are not replaceable gaiters they are sealed (with grease in them).

Do NOT use KwikFit for any mechanical work is my advice, go to a local garage and a track rod end replacement should be no more than £100+VAT inc part (part is about £15-£20 for a 2019 Polo).

Replacing should take no more than an hour.
 
Fade and Die said:
I think they are notorious for making up work that’s not required. Have a quick search, the internet is full of stories off them ripping off customers, especially women.
Best to get a second opinion.
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I didn't know that. In 30+ years of car ownership I've probably used them twice in emergencies and only for tyres. I wouldn't dream of going to them for a mechanical job.

rudebhoy said:
My understanding is the parts are cheap, and an hour’s labour is more than enough to replace them and do the wheel alignment.

They quoted her £460!

Definitely going to get a second opinion.
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That's outrageous. I could believe that kind of rip-off number if we were talking about a BMW dealership but for a backstreet operation like Kwik Fit that's mental. I just don't understand why a salaried garage mechanic would do that though. What's in it for them other than trouble when it's called out?
 
RichA said:
I didn't know that. In 30+ years of car ownership I've probably used them twice in emergencies and only for tyres. I wouldn't dream of going to them for a mechanical job.


That's outrageous. I could believe that kind of rip-off number if we were talking about a BMW dealership but for a backstreet operation like Kwik Fit that's mental. I just don't understand why a salaried garage mechanic would do that though. What's in it for them other than trouble when it's called out?
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They get bonuses for upselling…

www.bbc.co.uk

BBC One - Your Money Their Tricks - Inside Kwik-Fit

Unnecessary work and incomplete checks at one of Britain’s biggest garage chains
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
 
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