I have been noticing my front end starting to wobble lately...and its just getting worse and worse.

Does anyone have any idea what kind of cost I will be looking at to repair the front end. I know that my steering column is also missing a bearing or 2...the van was stolen a few years back and the idiots somehow broke the steering column...it was fixed but hasn't been the same since.

The van is in great shape...spend about $2300 on paint and body work which included replacing the rocker panels, and just spent $1100 on the exhaust.

The only things that need repair are the front end and a leaky steering pump...

Is the front end work something I could do on my own?
Anyone here ever do the front end work on their Aerostar on their own?

 

Front end work is not that difficult if you have a moderate amount of mechanical ability. First off, what year and model is your Aerostar? Secondly, was the steering column damage due to breaking the ignition cylinder when the van was stolen or was the van wrecked and the column damaged then? If due to wreckage, there may be more extensive front end work required.

 

Hi..thanks for the reply.

The van is a 1990 XLT 4.0
The steering column damage was due to breaking the ignition cylinder, so it seems like some bearings are missing, the steering wheel can be lifted about 1/4", so it wobbles also.

I do have some mechanical ability, just need instructions on what needs to be replaced. I am not sure about the terminology when it comes to front end parts, so I can't really say much. I am sure the ball joints need to be replaced. I also noticed cracks in the arms going from the wheels to the front bar that runs across the front of the vehicle.

I was wondering also, what kind of cost would I be looking at if I was to take it to a shop like Midas or Speedy to get the work done.

 

Well, let's take this a step at a time.

First, you are going to need a shop manual for assistance and reference. Either Haynes or Chiltons will suffice and both are readily available.

Secondly, concerning the steering column. While not impossible to damage a bushing, it would be more likely the vandals caused damage to either the support brackets that hold the colum to the dash or to the locking mechanism for the tilt wheel, if you have that option. Try looking more closely at these two items and see if the looseness is not due to secondary damage. The actual steering column bushings are rather difficult to damage or dislodge and at this time, I am inclined to put them last on the list of possibilities.

Third, with the age of your van and attendant mileage, you are looking at replacing the upper ball joints($30ea), tie rod ends($12ea), sway bar links($10/set) for certain, shock absorbers($35ea) if not recently done and possibly the brake rotors($45ea) if they prove to be warped. (Prices quoted are rough estimates). Replacing the upper ball joints is not easy. Do a search on this forum for additonal information. Plan on spending most of a weekend to do this. You will need an alignment afterward.


Lastly, I have no idea what a shop would charge, but it will be considerably more. Labor rates at most shops run $65-80/hr and you are looking at a minimum of 5 to 6 hours if not more. Best bet is to call for estimates using the basic information above and see what they quote.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info!
This will be a good start!
I may try to tackle this on my own since the van is not really being used heavily right now anyways...

I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

 

I had a similar model and it ended up being the tie-rods. I didn't do them myself, but it wasn't horribly expensive, and helped immensely.