how much would your average mechanic charge to check out my suspension and make sure everything is "hunky-dorey". it makes wierd sounds from time to time that it didnt make when i first got it, and it gets somewhat pounded down gravel roads every day so im beginning to think it may have issues. just doesnt quite seem the same car as far as handling, i got new all-season tires and they didnt handle as well as what was on there before but it seems like its getting worse.

All the labor rates are different. An inspection shouldn't be too much. I couldn't tell ya a price though.

inspection probably about $30. but beware.............i had a place tell me my duster needed $500 worth of work to the front end. this was 25 yrs ago. took it to a hole in the wall place and the guy aligned it. did awesome job. no parts needed.

I'm not sure what the going rate would be for having your suspension checked out, especially in another area. But being a shy-looking female, I've had numerous experiences taking my cars to mechanics for a check-up, getting the once-over, and being told that my entire vehicle needs to be revamped...when really I just needed maybe a new tire I've recently had good luck at our local Midas place...

If you bring the car in for an oil change or something simple like that and then say "By the way, I'm pretty sure my suspension is OK, but I'd just like it checked over." Maybe mention some of the odd noises it'* making and some of the things that you think it might be, so they know that you know what you're talking about and that you'll know if they're trying to screw you over...you might actually get it done for only a little more than the cost of the oil change...

sometimes you can find a place that will do a free inspection

Back last year I was having noises from my wheels which I was told by people that it was the wheel bearings. I had an oil change at the shop, and asked if someone could check to see what the noise was coming from, and that I was pretty sure it was the bearings. He felt around while I turned the steering wheel. A few seconds later after hearing the noises, he said, "Yup it'* the bearings."

A week later I told another guy at the same shop the noises it was making, and he said it was the struts. They didn't charge me for anything, but to this day I haven't gotten it fixed, whatever it is.