The day I changed 3 tyres and a pair of tie rod end

Please, don’t be surprised…. I didn’t do it on my own…

I was on my way to work on Monday morning when I felt extra bumpy. It gets even worse when I go faster in 3rd gear. Plus it was making such a loud noise, I just couldn’t bear to drive it to work even though its only 10 minutes away. I made a U-turn back to my house.

Frustrated at first, because I had to take half day E.L, I try checking on the tyres when suddenly I found a big pregnant bump at the front right side tyre.

I prefer to call it a big damn “bisul”. Shocked about it I called up my bro who had been using it on the weekends and my mom who was in the house (still sleeping) because she used it the whole week last week.

I took it to the nearest workshop. They recommend me to change 3 tyres since I was already running with 1 big tyre and 3 small ones. Well, I am using an old “kankei” car. Suzuki Swift. The old one, not the new one. So, there were no more tyres that suit my car’s tyre size. Last 4 months, when I had a puncture on the back right side tyre, I changed it into a slightly bigger size tyre. So, ever since then, I had been running on 1 big and 3 small tyres.

I remember that Apek mechanic saying, “Haiyyaaaa…Ini sikit lagi sulah mau letup lorr….Manyak bahaya…Sulah mati la lu punya tayar” -> Somehow, I could see this coming. Cause, I, neither my parents are the least concern on the tyres life. Which is after I asked Abg. Jesmin, most tyres are guaranteed for its excellent performances only 2 years. After that, take the risk la my friend. (read: Use it carefully if you don’t want to waste money changing so frequently)

I’m not really that certain about whether me using that 3 small and 1 big tyre had anything to do with the lump I was having, but what I was really sure of was, it costed me a lot to replace it. I asked them to replace all 3, for my safety. While the mechanic changed my 2 front tyres, he said that I should change the tie rod end at the front part, because the rubber has worn off making the tyre joints hit on each other everytime I drive and turn my wheels.

Of course, Abg did tell me about this. I had plans changing them with Abg’s mechanics, but suddenly I had to do it even faster. So, rather than doing double work, I agreed to change the pair of tie rod end.

 

So, basically, my calculations goes;

3 Sime Tyres……………………. RM108/pc = RM324

1 pair of tie rod end…………..RM110/pair = RM110

Labour charge…………………..                        =RM 35

Alignment and balancing………………………..=RM20

Total payment……………………………………….. RM489    -> Actual charge RM480

I had to wait about 2 hours for everything to get ready + alignment and balancing of course, which really impressed me alot. Ya lorrr….First time in the bengkel maa…*hehehehe*

Well, at least I got in time to slot for the 2nd half day of work. And I drove like a mercedes right after they fixed up everything…heheheh…No more of the rattlings, no more noise…ONLY smooth driving. Lepas ni I jerla jadi driver…hehehe..

But, all in all, it was a very good experience. I have been listening and being a passive observer berofre when all the engineers and technicians (most of them, male of course) talk about engines and cars, well, after experiencing it myself, at least I could get the picture of whatever they are talking about. *at least I think I could la*

And I learnt that if money couldn’t buy LIFE (Soul) ….It could at least help us buy our safety while driving. So, spending a bit I guess won’t hurt that much (^-^v) *thought I think some may not agree….sekati laa*

A tie rod makes the wheels of your vehicle turn by sending the force made by the rack gear to the steering knuckle.

Study notes Fixing tie rod ends   What is tie rod end? When to change tyres?