steering link, Odyssey

The dealership called yesterday. They are installing a remanufactured
trans. in my 00 Odyssey. It failed at 48K. The call yesterday was to tell
me they were going to have to replace the steering link, because it was
rusty and to fool with it, it would break. And it had to be removed to get
to the transmission. The price was minimal...40.00 and no labor.
Sound 'bout right? I haven't looked under the vehicle beforehand to know
how it's all laid out...
Not wanting to be overly paranoid, but if the steering link (don't even know
if that's the correct term, but that's what they called it) is rusty, then
what else should I look for in the way of problems?
Perry

 

Who is paying for the transmission, Honda or you? If they break something
or want you to replace something they intend to break while doing a recall
or warranty work, you can make a very strong case that they should provide
that part on their own dime. If they didn't have to replace the
transmission, there would be no risk of this other part breaking. A
steering link is usually pretty thick metal. Its hard to believe it would
be rusty enough to break in just 4 years.

It sounds like they already broke it and are trying to think of an excuse
why you should pay for it so they don't have to admit liability for their
own negligence. I would call Honda about this if the dealership does not
give you any satisfaction.

 

Well, I just got back from the dealership and I am pleased that the mechanic
let me spend a good half hour or so under the vehicle with him. The
original owners were from the north...icy roads that were salted. The salt
was causative in making more rust on some pieces. The nut on the bottom of
the driver's side steering arm was rusted and probably frozen. To drop the
trans., first a support member is removed, then the bottom of the steering
arm and then there's room for the transmission to come out. All in all,
it's not a big deal. I think I am extremely lucky to have bought a vehicle
that is covered under the transmission recall/warraty.
The other damage I saw and right now it's not a big deal is the bolts on the
catalytic convertor are rusted and frozen...And slight rust on the rotors.
Perry

 

<And slight rust on the rotors.>
Not on the braking surface of the rotors, the outside rim, or edge.
Perry

 

A rusted steering arm is a danger to be reckoned with. Imagine it breaking
at 70 mph when you hit a bump. If the dealer was trying to screw him he
would be charging time and lots more to replace it. It is possible for the
rod to rust badly up here as an awful lot of salt is used in the winter.

 

It wasn't the *rod* that was rusted to a point of being the problem...the
threaded end...the nut was rusted badly...(I know, still a part of the arm,
but it wasn't the rod that was compromised...just the nut that screwed onto
the threaded end) I really don't get the impression that I am getting the
shaft...just was curious, and that was before I had my tour under the
van...I am pretty satisfied that all is well.
Perry.