Automatic transmission hose

[drcott]

I own a 1996 Ford Escort LX 5 dr.wagon with almost 138,000 on it.About a year ago my mechanic said I needed an automatic transmission hose.He said my steering would get tighter over time which I have noticed.He wants $260 for the hose and labor.Does this sound about right?He also said about 3 months ago the engine has a slow oil leak.I haven't checked the oil dip stick because the light on the odometer hasn't come on.I'm just wondering how much that'll cost to fix or should I just junk the thing?
Btw,I'm retired and only drive about 4000 miles a year.

[xjrguy]

I own a 1996 Ford Escort LX 5 dr.wagon with almost 138,000 on it.About a year ago my mechanic said I needed an automatic transmission hose.He said my steering would get tighter over time which I have noticed.He wants $260 for the hose and labor.Does this sound about right?He also said about 3 months ago the engine has a slow oil leak.I haven't checked the oil dip stick because the light on the odometer hasn't come on.I'm just wondering how much that'll cost to fix or should I just junk the thing?
Btw,I'm retired and only drive about 4000 miles a year.

Drcott,

I wonder what automatic transmission hose your mechanic is talking about? Seems like strange advice. Not sure how that would affect your steering unless you mean power steering hose. It could be a disconnected vacuum hose. Does the car stall?

Much to Tetge's chagrin , I would drain out your Power Steering reservoir with a turkey baster and replace with fresh automatic transmission fluid. Do this about 5 time (one time after each drive) That will put new fluid into your power steering system.

Regarding the oil leak. Is the leak visible? Does the car leak oil on to the ground? It would behoove you to check your dipstick as soon as possible.

You might want to check out a product called auto rx for your car. http://www.auto-rx.com

What has your maintenance regimen been?

Your problems don't seem to be major obstacles considering the low mileage you traverse each year.

Hopefully this helps out a bit.

If you have a digital camera, take pictures of your motor and post them here so we can see what we are working with.

What does everyone else think?


OH AND ONE MORE THING.............WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!

[Tetge]

If your car is not making a mess leaking on the ground and you drive 4000 miles a year, I would not be concerned about a slow oil leak. Internal combustion engines historically have leaked and it is no big deal. However, I would be concerned, if you are not pulling our leg and having fun with us, about not checking the oil dip stick now and then. As for issues with your power steering? Again, keeping an eye on the fluid level would tell a lot. I can understand how a hose could impact the performance of the system unless it burst in which case you would certainly notice as you would not longer have power assisted steering. Perhaps you should go to another shop that will do a free estimate and get a second opinion, again, if you are actually serious about this issue. Any auto parts house could give you a price on a power steering hose so that would be easy to find out. $260 for a hose and labor does seem expensive to me.

[xjrguy]

[Tetge]

We try to be helpful.

[Brakelate]

And yet, all you did was scare him off.

[xjrguy]

And yet, all you did was scare him off.

Or he broke down and never made it back to the 'pootah...