Car question

[stacey79]

I've been trying to find this info elsewhere and haven't had any luck. THen I thought of you wonderful ICers and the resource that you are for me, so here goes!

I have a 2003 car that we bought brand new in May of 2002. THe bumper-to-bumper warranty just ran out in May. I still have power train coverage, but that's a moot point.

ANyway, I think my shocks have gone out on the front passenger side. That's what my hubby thinks, too. Right now we are living super frugally while my husband is out of work. What I'm wondering is if I can still drive the car without damaging it for the next couple of months until my hubby starts getting paid again. He is pretty sure it's OK. Usually we'd ask one of our dads, but we're afraid to mention it to either one of them because then they'd want to help us pay for the repair. We don't want them to do that.

Any ideas? I'm thinking I may call a few places later and see if they can diagnose the problem for free or a nominal fee. I'm guessing probably not. My hubby said it's either the shocks or struts, but he thinks shocks. He said he can replace them, but they're a bit tricky...

[petrie86]

stacy,

I just replaced my shock in the front passanger side of my car. It's okay to drive if they blew out. Just watch out for pot holes and bumps. My bf fixed my car, he did it at his friends shop. I was scare to drive my car with the shocks being broken but my bf said it's ok nothing's going to happen... it's just going to be bumpy. But I wouldnt let it go too long though. I have a 2001 mitsubishi eclipse and i bought 2 stocks and struts and it was about $300 for the parts.

Good luck and drive safe

Rachel

[stacey79]

Thanks, Rachel. That's what my hubby and I thought, but I worried. Once he gets another job, we'll fix it and get me new tires. The good news is that I work from home, so I don't drive my car a whole lot. And with him being home (plus he has a motorcycle), if I need to, I can drive his car instead.

[tigger_gal]

you can do some pretty extensive damage with it being a front end shock being bad. I though my car was ok once then it busted and the shock put several holes in the trunk, I should of had it towed, but having no money I droke it home. I think it would be a good idea to have it fixed.

[stacey79]

It just stinks because we can't pay for it right now. My hubby and I were talking more about it last night. He thinks we should try taking it in somewhere and confirm that's actually what's going on. If it is, then he and my FIL will work on it. Buying the parts is expensive, too, but still much cheaper than paying labor also. I don't want to mess up my car.