[amatuerhour]

Does anyone have any idea of what I should expect to pay to have inner and outer tie rods replaced on a 1994 Lexus LS400? I was quoted about $1100. I am curious if that is higher because the garage is not used to dealing with these types of repairs on a lexus.

[this8384]

Tie rods are tie rods, whether they're on a Ford or on a Lexus. The car being foreign doesn't make the part special.

The labor is quite high to get all 4 tie rods replaced, so that might put it on the higher end. What did you originally take the car in for? Did the shop give you a break down of parts and labor?

Personally, I'd get a second opinion. Have someone else look over the car and give you an estimate on what needs to be done.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Check prices at RockAuto.com. I'd go with Spicer/Raybestos "Professional Grade" tie rods. Prices are around $31.99 each:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

With a small puller, you should be able to replace the tie rods yourself. Afterwards, get the alignment checked.

[RickMN]

The labor guide shows 3 hours labor for inner tie rod replacement. Since you have to remove the outer to replace the inner, that labor should be minimal. Add the cost of the parts and a complete 4-wheel alignment and you still don't come close to $1100. Sounds to me like they're double dipping on labor charges--charging you 3 hours for the inners and another 3 for the outers.

Time to find a new shop.