posted 11-05-2018 05:37 PM                  

This is the first time in the ten years I have owned the car that I have taken it to the dealer for anything, and the first time It has been in a shop overnight since I bought it. It is kind of scary in one way, and exciting in another.

The main reason is to replace the timing belt and water pump due to age. The car has 52,979 miles on it currently.

While the car is there, I am making the most of the visit to have the cooling system flushed, replace the radiator hoses, service the transaxle, replace the transmission filters, oil & filter, and replace the front lower ball joints with the new rare parts pieces I recently purchased.

The Viper Tech at the Dodge Dealer will be doing the work and is familiar with the Prowlers. He has been at this dealer for 12 years and says he has replaced ball joints on four other Prowlers. He has his own Miller Tool Kit and was a bit surprised that I brought one with me for his use if needed.

posted 11-10-2018 06:00 PM                  

The labor for installing the ball joints was $374.85 for the pair. The tech indicated he would be removing the fenders to do the job so I can understand what otherwise might seem like a somewhat higher price point.

While the car was in they found some additional minor things that needed attention and I added flushing the brakes to the list otherwise I would have had the car back sooner. It was ready yesterday but since it was raining heavily, I opted to wait until today when the sun was out.

The tech that worked on the car is Viper certified and had his own Miller Tool kit for the Prowlers. He said he has replaced ball joints on at least four other Prowlers.

Overall I think I am satisfied with the work and the invoiced amount for it.

Sunday (tomorrow) if the weather cooperates and the perceived exhaust leak turns out to be nothing, I may try to run a tank of gas through the car before putting it away for the winter.

P.S.
I have the timing belt to send to Phil.
I didn't see any signs of cracks or anything else on the old belt when I picked up the car but will look closer tomorrow and maybe post a photo or two.

posted 11-13-2018 04:35 PM                  

This afternoon after work, I took the car back in and he acknowledged when I arrived that he heard what I did and put it up on the lift for a closer inspection.

After a little minor tweaking of two clamps, the leak seemed to be taken care of.
It wasn't much of a leak, but it was enough to annoy me if not corrected.

It was nice to go somewhere that when a minor issue needed addressed, they didn't try to dismiss the problem or feed me a line of crap.
They were great and receptive to fix the issue without any grief.