Bolt snapping during an alignment?

[RedHot97GAGT]

Alright so I lowered the car and took it in to get an alignment a couple of hours later they told me that A bolt snapped while aligning the car. I think he said that I needed a new tie rod assembly because they couldn't just order the bolt. It was close to closing so he said he would call me back tomorrow. Here are my questions:
1) has anyone else heard of this happening?
2)What bolt might it be?
3) How much is a tie rod assembly?
Thanks for you help!!:???: :( :???:

[99GrandAMSE]

... sounds to me like they 'reefed' on the nut on the tie rod and either broke the threaded rod itself or striped the nut ... either way, there really isn't any excuse for it as they should have realized the condition of the tie rod or seen it might break before it actually did ... then, they could (or should) have contacted you and told you of their problem thus warning you that it 'may' break ... now, if I were you unless they told you or the possibility of breakage before them starting the work, I would make them pay for the part :(

[RedHot97GAGT]

They said it happened all the time. I was thinking the same thing about me not having to pay for it.

[99GrandAMSE]

.. this is what I 'think' they broke :(

[RedHot97GAGT]

Which part or the whole thing?

[99GrandAMSE]

Maybe this will explain it a little better but there are several pieces all assembled together ... I believe they are all available separately :)

[RedHot97GAGT]

thanx, that helps. How much do you think it would cost, piece by piece or the whole assembly? they told me 80bucks, sound right?

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by RedHot97GAGT
... they told me 80bucks, sound right?

Yeah, I would think $80 for the part and the labor to install it would be about right ... shouldn't be any more ... remember though, I'd argue for quite a while first before I paid for it :(

[99GrandAMSE]

OH ... good luck!! :)

[RedHot97GAGT]

Thanks for the advice. They were going to try to charge me until i mentioned that no one told me that the outer tie rod end looked worn. he asked the guy that worked on it if he had inspected it and he said no so we agreed I would pay for the part but not the labor. I got the passenger side outer tie rod end from Napa for $23. They also paid for new lugs and replaced the threading when they stripped two lugs putting them on. They had a bad day I guess. They were really professional and fair (after the fact) so I may go back there again.
Thanks again for the advice you save me like $60!

[99GrandAMSE]

... sounds like it worked out very well, congrats!!