I just got my oil changed today and found out my 97 Ford Escort needs about (according to their estimate) $700 worth of work, including fixing a broken Sway Bar Link, replacing two loose Outer TIE Rod ends, and replacement of rusted cooling lines for my transmission - in addition to the alignment and transmission flush that will need to be done along with all of it.
Unfortunetly - being a college student and all, and at the moment looking for summer employment, I simply don't have $700+ dollars; so I'm trying to prioritize on what needs to be fixed and what can wait. Add to this that I know very little about cars and how they work.
The shop told me the TIE rods were a priority, and from what I've researched I agree. The cooling lines were listed as 'may need future attention' but to avoid future issues I think this is second on the 'fix' list. Does anyone know if a broken Sway Bar can wait a while - or is it more then just an inconvience?
Thanks!Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
If you are not very mechanically inclined , you need to get a couple more opinions from reliable and honest mechanics as to whether you need any of this work . My escort has stainless steel transmission cooling lines and they don't rust . If you have worn tie rod ends you need to replace them promptly before one comes aloose , and you don't have any steering . The sway bar can wait , but your handling may suffer a little .Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
I Would Do The Tie Ends And Tranny Lines? How Bad Are The Tranny Lines It's Better To Fix The Lines Then Replace A Tranny If Thay Do Come Lose! As Far As I Know The Sway Bay Is Not A Huge Deal!Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
The sway bar should just affect your steering. You'll just have to take it easy around the turns....... Fix it when you can. A lot of people take their sway bars off to drop weight, when they drag race.Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
Did a Ford model T have a sway bar? Make your own conclusions.Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
i do not know where u r ,but that is way off .they r taken u for the money.. u need to call around for prices, but do not say what u have for prices now. there r cheaper garages out thereCan I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
The cost does sound a little high. I would shop around. Being in College you can take it to the Mechanic class and have most of the work if not all done for little or no cost but for the parts only. They get to learn how to work on the car you get the work done for free. They will not try to cheat you out of money for repairs not needed.Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
let me guess. you had your oil changed at either firestone, goodyear, or one of the specialty shops where they change your oil and then come out and tell you that you need all of this work done. if you did, go someplace else like a garage and ask THEM%26gt; best to check again. been there, done that. but DO pay attention to tie rod ends. bad ones can be dangerous.Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
You need to think safety. The components you have just described are vital to your front end. If you don't have the money then ask for a loan from your family. I know I don't like asking for money either but we are talking about what would be worse. getting the car fixed and paying someone back or having a serious accident and causing maybe someone else harm. This is serious!! my friend. You may loose control of the car. So do the right thing. Can't fix it then don't frive it.Can I drive my Escort without fixing the Sway Bar?
The order you have come up with is the right one. As far as the sway bar link goes, without it the car will lean more in corners/offramps. If you are not an aggresive driver that loves to take corners at high speed then the link can wait for a LONG time with out problems.
