Hello, you guys probably get these questions a lot (sorry). Truth is, I just don't know any mechanics personally, so I have to go online.

I got a new set of tires mounted the other day. I went to another shop today to get an alignment done (my rear tires are wearing out on the inside). I come back to get my car and he said "we have a problem"... he said that my Right rear trailing arm was bent and it would cost $550 to replace it (yikes). A little info on my integra.. my car was backed into (slid?), in my apt. parking lot by a small pickup two winters ago, on the rear Drivers side corner (no curbs around my car at the time). My car was in park and I was not inside. It wasn't to bad, it pushed in my bumper some, busted my tailight, and pushed in the trunk lid a bit (4dr). I never thought that it could have done internal damage.. just cosmetic (i have not repainted it yet), but this guy seems to think it was the cause of my bent RTA on the opposite side of the car. He could very well be right as i do have a problem with my tires wearing out on the inside (both rear tires the same amount). He stated that "it shifted the RTA and it is causing both rear tires to wear on the inside". To think that the small pickup who hit me bent the RTA on the opposite side of the car, on snow/ice, just makes me wonder what the hell happened. I will go get some more estimates soon.

He told me that he would be getting the part from a trusted guy he knows that owns a junkyard and that my car was to old to get parts from a dealer (..i wouldnt really want a new one anyway), he kept referring my car as a 95 but i clearly said 97, anyway. I asked how much would just the labor be, if I supplied the part and he said no way would he install a part I brought in. I read this job can be done in 15 minutes by someone who knows what they are doing.

I understand mechanics need to make a living too, but I just had a bad feeling about this estimate/mechanic and thought i'de get someone else's opinion before i go through with it.

thanks.

1997 Integra LS Sedan

 

Install it yourself and then take it to get an alignment.

 

I can easily see it costing 550 for parts and labor. The 15 minute minute thing im not so sure about that, that's pretty freaking fast, I also agree with get it and do it your self, but if that isn't a option, then you are left with only one

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes-54/how-replace-rear-trailing-arm-bushing-cool-tool-i-found-saves-allot-time-1456600/

pretty damn close to 15 mins if the car is already in the air.

 

All that thread has is how to replace the bushing, not the entire trailing arm

 

I agree with what others have said about the price quote. That's just the price you pay for not doing it yourself. Labor rates are regulated by law, the price for "used" parts however, isn't. That's where he's sticking it to you. One question for you as I didn't notice it in your post. Have you looked for yourself to see if your trailing arm is actually been damaged? You should be able to see some damage. A low speed collision like that will wreak havoc on your body panels, bumpers, etc. But unless this low speed collision was caused by a 25,000lb. hydraulic press, I can't see how you trailing arm could be bent in this way. Unless there was something more to it. I'm not sure, but if your car came equipped with a non-adjustable factory camber setting you're naturally going to have a little uneven wear on the inside of the rear tires anyway. That's why you rotate the tires from front to rear every 3000mi. or so, to even out the wear.

 

buy a service manual, some tools, and do it at home. will cost you less than the $550, plus you'll have tools and a manual for future jobs...

it's really not that hard, even on jack stands lying in a driveway...

 

LOL replacing that bushing is a LOT harder than unbolting an arm

 

my thoughts

find a new mechanic. from what you've described it sounds like he is trying to get over on you. you can easily get a brand new trailing arm from honda. part# 52370-ST7-G91 lists for $243.75 at this site http://www.hondapartsunlimited.com/i...&submit=submit

most likely the arm is not bent from that accident. it could be bent from some other event especially if you have been getting uneven wear. prior to the accident. get another opinion from somewhere else.

 

Allowing for a price of $250 for a new arm this guy wants $300 to fir one trailing arm,and he is telling you that you cant buy a new one.

I think this guy is trying to rip you off,go somewhere else and get other quotes or as others have said do it your self.
You don't say where you are located maybe there are some other HT guys near you that could help you out with trusted shops or even helping you to do the job yourself,you can buy many cases of beer for $550.