I need some advice. I took the car in today to check for some rattles I have been hearing and was told I need all four bushings replaced. We had this done last year while stationed in Germany, but with used parts. Now my husband is deployed and I don't know what to do. I need to drive the car 200 miles in a couple of weeks, then it will sit for two months until we both return, then back home for another 200 miles (plus additional traveling).

Anyway, husband says he hates to spend the $$, but if it would make me more comfortable to go ahead and do it. Otherwise he will "try" to do it himself when he returns. It will be cold then and he will have to do it on jacks. I was trying to find out how much parts would be. I have been quoted $50 apiece, so $400 total for parts, plus labor, with the mechanic. He's guessing around $600 total, barring no problems.

Should I wait? What would happen if a bushing "pops" while on the interstate? How much would my husband be able to get new parts for, and how hard is the job going to be for him? I need to make a decision soon, as I leave in less than two weeks.

Thanks!

 

Which specific bushings need to be replaced? Inner tie rod end bushings, etc?