If front sway bar links are bad do I also need to replace my front struts and rear shocks? - 1

I have some flat spots and tire noise. I was told I need all new shocks, struts and sway bar links. Really? Everything? I took for 2nd & 3rd opinions and both of them said I only need front sway bar links and an alignment. I'm not having handling problems. When I questioned the $1700 estimate from my original guy they said my tires are taking all the brunt of the bumps because my suspension is bad. They said it's time to change it all anyway because I have 143k miles on my 09 Ford Escape. Both # 2 & #3 said my shocks and struts were fine. Am I just being upselled? I've done business with this guy for 20 yrs and am really upset. They are saying if links are worn then likely the struts and shocks are worn also or will need replacing in the next 6 months. Who do I believe?

Sway bars ONLY come into play around corners, so they wouldn't damage the tires that much. A bad alignment WOULD wear the steering tires extra fast. So do the end links & the alignment and see if things get better… If the alignment is Really bad, you might also need two new tires…

You test shocks by pushing down heavily on each corner of the car. The car should return to ride height without oscillation. If it oscillates the shock is faulty. Shocks must be renewed in axle pairs.

It's 2 to 1 saying shocks are good. I'd leave them until they actually need doing. Sounds like guy number 1 is just trying to make money out of you.

Sway bar links might rattle if they are bad but are not mission-critical, won't cause abnormal tire wear, and are cheap and simple to replace in most vehicles. After 8 years and 143k miles, it's likely that you DO need at least front struts, then an alignment; a good guy might also suggest front end ball joints so your suspension will be safe for many more years and thousands of miles ahead. Unless you drive fully loaded all the time or use your Escape for towing, the rear shocks and suspension might be OK to leave another year. Reading the description of your tire noise and wear problems, you would do well to get the front suspension work done very soon.

Alignment won't help cupping or tire noise. Loose sway bar links are more annoying than anything else. But I would fix those. I have to agree with the first guy. This is not about handling it is about premature tire destruction. Too much bouncing going on. Your twenty year guy is correct here.

Sway bar links can be repaced with out replacing the struts and shocks However… Flat spotted tires are caused by the bad struts and shocks so yes you do need to replace them all or you'll keep wearing tires out. Wait to do the links until you replace the struts.

At 143,000 those struts are well into their golden years for sure. At that mileage you really need to plan to get them replaced as part of routine maintenance. Did he ACTUALLY test drive it? Ant decent mechanic can tell if the struts are bad… They don't last forever general guidelines would have called for their replacement some time ago. YES flatspotting is a symptom of worn out struts. Handling problems? You will notice after the new struts are on what you were missing. 1,700? Since the complete front strut assembly with spring is only $108 and the rear shocks a lot less ask them why they are putting on the gold plated versions

So I just saw the other comments on here. Geesh back to square one. 50/50 between you all. My 2nd guy, a friend who is a young mechanic did push down on all sides and got underneath and said my shocks and struts are fine. All 3 took the car for a test drive. My tires have 53k miles on them and they are 60k tires so nearing the end of their life. I'm guessing I do need the alignment. Just so you know I maintain my car really well. Tires are rotated every 5k miles. What I'd like to know is if it's true that if my shocks/struts are bad does that actually cause my tires to work as my suspension instead?

Yes

Both may be correct. After 143k miles your shocks, struts and bushings ARE worn out and to get proper performance they should be replaced. Opinions #2 & #3 may have checked to verify they were not leaking and felt it was not a critical need since the vehicle was over 8 years old. Worn suspension parts create alignment (tire) problems and eventually become a safety issue. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, the replacement may be the best option. If you are planning on selling or trading the vehicle in the next year or so, you might hold off. Its your choice.