That hurts!

I guess I shouldn't really even be writing this post, however I had my first major repair on my Vue. It all started on Sunday. I heard a creek/rocking sound coming from the front right of my Vue, moreover around the right wheel. Well any little sound freaks me out and I was for sure that my wheel was about to fall off. Well I had Chris look at at and he said he believed it to be my shocks and struts, but "he works on bikes not cars". Which really opened my eyes. You'll soon find out why. So the sound was not as bad Monday AM, however when I was driving Monday PM that is another story. So today I dropped my Vue off at Dobbs on Jeffco Blvd (around the corner from my J O B) and they had it all day. Well Chris may know everything when it comes to bikes, but he was right on with my injured Vue. I had to have all four shocks and struts replaced along with an alignment and just about everything else that goes along with your cars suspension. Here is where the OUCH comes into play. Although it was my first major repair and it is 4 yrs old with 72,900 miles, so as I said there really is no good reason to complain. Back to why my eyes opened when Chris mentioned working on bikes. With the price of gas and out of this world repair charges, I don't think it would be a bad idea to purchase a bike (sold the other two bikes I had, had no one to ride with. Only have the Tandem) and ride into work whenever possible. It really isn't all that far and the road(s) are not that hilly. I am giving it some serious thought, especially since my Bday is right around the corner.

Steering Systems
Steering Gear Box
Center Link
Pitman Arm
Idler Arm
Tie Rods
Rack and Pinion Assembly
Bellows Boots
Tie Rods

Suspension Systems
Control Arms
Ball Joints
Springs (Coil or Leaf)
Shock Absorbers
Struts

The primary function of your cars suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended" and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.

Steering Systems Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear.