I think this is the answer. Either this or the chassis ears.
The video just doesn’t run long enough or sound distinctly enough to analyze anything.
I am leaning drivetrain. Trans, cv/u joints, throw out, etc.
If you don’t have the diagnostic tools, or cant rent them-sometimes it’s worth paying for an exam/estimate at a shop. $75 or $100 for them to test drive with the chassis ears and tell you exactly whats wrong- have them show you while it is on the rack if you can wait their while they do it. Then if cheap enough, they fix it or if you can save a lot in labor and online parts sourcing, then you can still do it. Consider their diagnostic tool rental fee.
2 theories
Ya need a “bob’s garage” for this definitely no dealership is going to allow you under the lift. Opposing theory is dealership knows that car better and their written estimate is more likely correct.
So if I got caught in this situation, I want to see the issue, I tell them upfront- “I want to wait here and go look at the problem under the lift to see myself.” If they say no, I’d move on to the next shop.
Secret weapon here- ever tip a waitress?
Ever pull up to a shop with a cooler full of ice cold sodas or a box of donuts? It works wonders on mechanics and shop owners. Don’t be afraid to tell them- I am paying you to find it so I can take it home and diy.
The soda/ snack thing works- story time:
My wife’s car (Chrysler LHS) under factory warranty, they were fixing a steering issue, and there was a slight coolant leak that was dripping down by a headgasket. When he showed me steering problem and the actual leak I said, “Dang, I know the factory head gaskets had issue and new upgraded ones are available, but it will go out of warranty first.” Mind you he is drinking the cold can of soda I brought him and munching whatever snack I bought at the time. I was about $7 into a “tip” at this point. He says “So both head gaskets? You say it smokes sometimes and you keep adding coolant every other the day...?... Yep need new gaskets needed.” And lifted the drink like a toast. He then tells me the joystick balance controller on the radio fails and has a fix, would I like that replaced too? Just let the service writer know i told him about the radio problem I forgot to mention when dropping it off, and is there any way to get reimbursed for all the coolant (but no reimbursement will come, just ask about it).
I was pissed at Chrysler at the time for the unsafe steering issue- so I felt cheating them was ok at the time. Must have thought it was -tho shalt not steal unless thou is mad.
It’s funny, all the vehicles I worked on professionally, I never once tried to rip anyone off. Still had people call me names when they heard the price. But folks that gave me honest appreciation, or a couple bucks or offered a soda- even one guy brought me a bigmac combo while getting himself one while car was broke down and waiting anyways- think I didn’t remember them for next time and put in some free labor? One gal had pizzas delivered to our small shop once- every guy in the shop jumped in and did some free stuff to her hoopty rustmobile.
