Can an expert identify from these pictures if this is really true? It’s a 2015 Kia Optima. I’m the original owner, used to live in Chicago but now I’m in Tampa. They say they’ve never seen anything like it, but that’s probably cause they’re from FL. They said they can’t do an alignment because they can’t loosen something to get the equipment in. I would need to replace the following for around $3.5k:
• Tie Rod End Replacement: left front inner and outer tie rod ends with new nut • Control Arm- Rear: both rear lower control arms and hardware • Trailing Arm: both rear arms and hardware
Did you get a copy of the alignment as measured and the itemized recommended work? Posting those can be helpful in this case.
The hot wrench(torch or induction heater) can do a lot of serious work on moving rusted nuts for an alignment. It does alter the properties of the metal, so I can see a shop not wanting to use that technique for a part they are not replacing as part of their policy for safety reasons. Local laws may also dictate if that is an option, but we are talking about Florida here so I would be surprised. Maybe the bushings are tearing and that is the big cause for the replacement on top of them being scared to try and move anything with heat. It does looks like they tried to turn the nuts, but it was more force than they are used to due to the rust.
The front tie rod ends(3rd photo, center, left side) are what adjust the steering wheel position and the toe(front to back angle of the tire, effects tire wear and handling). They look like they can be heated and adjusted, but you don’t know until you try and it could be so bad that the inner tie rod needs to be replaced along with the outers.
The rear lower control arm(2nd photo with the big spring on it) of the rear adjusts the camber(top to bottom tilt of the tire, a little toe as well usually. Effects tire wear and tire grip in turns at speed). That adjustment looks pretty rough, but I have moved worse with heat and some penetrating lube, more heat, and a hammer.
The forward upper control arm(1st photo, adjustment point not really visible) of the rear adjusts the rear toe. Usually it would be the rear upper control arm(2nd photo with “RR”, bolts not visible.), but Kia did Kia things apparently. Can’t comment on how it looks for obvious reasons. From what I see, it doesn’t look horrible.
The trailing arm is on the left side of the first photo. I don’t know why they would want to replace that unless the non-visible bushing is shot or they expect to have to replace it as part of replacing something else, I guess. There is no adjustment on those, AFAIK.
The rubber bushings on the rear that the adjustment bolts go through can stick to the bolt and prevent meaningful adjustment. They can be freed up, but it sucks to do and may ruin the bushing sometimes. You have to remove those bolts to replace the parts and that can mean destroying the rubber bushing to make that happen.
Overall, I say get a second opinion. The dealer tends to err on the side of caution, 3rd party shops can be more lax. I don’t blame them for wanting to replace everything rusty, they aren’t used to working on rusty cars. I’d tell you that it might need some parts replaced, but I would throw some heat at it if you let me give it a shot and reassess the situation based on how the rubber fairs. Replacing all the relevant parts as recommended would save you headache later, given the likely miles and past location. So if you want to keep the car long-term, I could justify it as a reasonable idea.
One final note, never buy a Kia or Hyundai or get rid of them before the bumper to bumper warranty expires. They are terrible cars for a lot of reasons and rust has almost nothing to play in that.