so1o2k3

hey whats up guys,

I just bought a 2000 Mustang GT 4.6L with 45000 miles. It has 4.10 gears, dual chamber Flowmasters /w an X-pipe, and I think it has underdrive pulleys. The only problems are the ABS doesn't work, the A/C doesn't work, and the front steering rack and pinion bar doesn't look aligned where the rubber boot connects to the end. Anyways, I took it to a Ford dealership and they want to charge me $1500 to fix the ABS. They said it was the ECU and HCU (something with hydraulics). They want to charge me $500 to replace a line on the A/C and recharge it (which they say there still could be a leak after doing that). I didn't have them look at the steering because I know I just need to replace it. Should I just have the dealership repair my ABS and A/C or should I take it to a local mechanic? I was thinking, why would the A/C cost so much to fix just to replace 1 line and recharge it? Also, when I turn my steering wheel all the way to the right it makes a grinding noise (which is probably the rack and pinion). How long do you think I have until I should definitely replace the rack and pinion? Any advice would be appreciated!

TimmyGt

Don’t take it to ford. Ford is for old people who don’t know any better. I would find a local shop you can trust and stick with them. The only other thing you can do is to try and fix it yourself. If you are thinking of modifying your car you should start reading what ever you can find about your car.

blackbetty01

GET THE HELL AWAY FROM THE DEALERSHIP!
Okay sorry about that, My wifes Explorer had an A/C issue and we got quoted about $500 from two different places, then we found a little hole in the wall A/C mechanic that replaced a hose and recharged the A/C for $75 and it has been running great for the last year and a half. Alot of mechanics don't know alot about A/C's so they just guess the expensive parts first, and then will end up finding a cracked hose and you just know the A/C is working now so you are happy. Get some more quotes, If you are mechanically inclined you should be able to do the brakes yourself. But I would leave the A/C to the pros.

rbstang

Is your A/C out of free-on? If so go to like local parts store and get A/C refiller kit and refill your A/C. 45,000 miles and half the stuff is broken?? thats not good.

Dan04COBRA

Sounds like you bought someone elses headache.

If you crank the wheel all the way any direction in any car you will max out the power steering and make a grinding sound. Remember everytime you do this while not moving, you are creating excessive amounts of stress on the suspension that you don't need to do.

Stay away from the dealership, they charge ridiculous amounts for labor and their parts are beyond expensive.

2VNA

Step away from the dealer!

Replace your stearing ASAP if needed You might want to spend the $ and take it to an alingment shop he could have a a bump steer kit on it and riped it out before selling the car and didn't adjust it back. and take it to a good brake shop. A big one with a good warntee. ABS can be a bitch.

2VNA

Oh sorry, I forgot. When ordering parts tell them that it's for your car and you work at Jiffy Lube and you get a good discount from the parts stores and dealer. My friend hooked me up with this info and I have saved a tun.

xx9gt6xx

Like everyone else said, stay away from the dealer. Unless you have bottomless pockets, take it somewhere else. You'll have to sacrifice an arm and a leg to get work paid for there...

so1o2k3

Hey thanks guys for all the advice, yeah it does seem like i bought someone else's headache but this car sounds healthy, runs good, and is just sick. only paid $7200 for this 2000 Mustang GT /w 45000 miles. the previous owner already told me this car has been totaled at 600 miles. Everything he told me was true when i checked the VIN report online. He said ever since it's been totaled, the A/C hasnt been working and he nevergot around to fixing it. I looked at the A/C lines and saw a kink or bend in the front line where the metal line meets the radiator. It's probably leaking from there, but its possible there are other leaks. P.S. I already took it to a mechanic before buying it, everything else seems to be in good shape.