How much is reasonable for suspension work on an 06 Hyundai Sonata (joint, tires)

[rooftopgardener]

I live in Los Angeles, CA and have a 2006 Hyundai Sonata with about 92,000 miles. The tires are wearing irregularly and there is a fairly loud and abrasive squeaking noise that comes from the front end when I go over bumps.

I took it to one mechanic and he said that the camber in the front suspension was off, and that some or all of the bushings and ball joints needed to be replaced in the front suspension. He said this could cost up to $1000 depending on what needed to be replaced.

I took it to another mechanic and he said that only the front struts needed to be replaced, and that this would cost $400.

I have a few questions:

1) What is the most likely cause of the squeaking in the front suspension and the irregular wear on the tires? Is either mechanic's diagnosis correct?

2) Are these mechanic's estimates reasonable for the repairs mentioned ($1000 to replace all bushings and ball joints in front suspension; $400 to replace front struts)?

3) Do you have any mechanics you recommend in the Los Angeles area? (I live near downtown)

[Electrician4you]

Depends on what irregular wear you have. They all indicate different things.

[CCc girl]

The bushing estimate is full of BS. He's guessing.

Take it to a tire shop, they will see what it needs to be in alignment. 400 for struts isn't bad.

[rooftopgardener]

Inner edges of tire are wearing more quickly... mechanic said it was because the camber was off.

[Don in Austin]

Originally Posted by rooftopgardener

Inner edges of tire are wearing more quickly... mechanic said it was because the camber was off.

it is not camber. It is a toe-out problem.

Don in Austin

[CCc girl]

To the tire shop for an alignment, please!

[rooftopgardener]

Originally Posted by Don in Austin

it is not camber. It is a toe-out problem.

Don in Austin

Interesting, thanks. I will look into that issue more. There's also this screeching sound that comes from the front wheels when I go over bumps... any idea what that might be?

[rooftopgardener]

Originally Posted by CCc girl

To the tire shop for an alignment, please!

Agreed! Any guesses as to what is causing the front suspension noise (squeaking/screeching coming from the front of the car whenever I go over bumps)?

[Chris V]

According to the sound I hear, through my ipad. I say. U need to get your front end checked out by someone putting your car on the lift.

Cause my deaf ear can't diagnose car noise very well over the Internet.

Chasing Car noise described by the customers is probably the hardest job.

I once chase car noise, there was nothing wrong with the car. It was a loose license plate.

[wheelsup]

Struts typically don't make noise when they are going. That is the realm of the strut mount and bearing (if so equipped).

Upon failure struts will start leaking. Are yours leaking?

Putting the car up on jacks and gripping the tire at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and shaking, is there much movement?

Just guessing I would look to the strut mount & bearing as the offender.