Hi,

On a 80K mile, 2014 RDX FWD, new North Austin Acura dealer tells us we need a new rear main engine seal ($2800), and a new intermediate shaft ($1200). With tax, well over 4k...

1. In your experience, are either one of these repairs critical?
2. What happens if we wait and see. Car doesn't leak oil on driveway, didn't notice any low oil level at a recent oil change.
3. Are these prices remotely fair for the work involved?

Advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

The technician who diagnoses this earns a percentage of the service sold. The book gives 6.6 hours for this work, adjusted for old age, the dealer will round up to 8. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s fair to take that kind of money for 8 hours of job or not, but in my opinion, run away from these scammers.
As long as there are no drops on the floor of your driveway, do not pay attention and just forget.

 

And to add onto altair47 excellent advice, find an independent mecahnic that specializes in Honda to do future work on your RDX. It will save you from diagnosis like this and save money.

 

I was leaning towards that too, especially for the rear seal. The shaft seems to be a more urgently needed repair, but a second shop told me it was the bearing of the shaft leaking, not the shaft itself and quoted me $750. Still seems high, but I also don't have a ton of time to look for a good independent shop and I want to give this car to our daughter. Does anyone know of a good independent shop in Austin TX?

 

According to the book, this job is given 2.5 hours, when I changed my bearing (2009 TL SHAWD) I spent 3 hours + $ 25 the bearing itself ( https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/...7-sjc-a01.html ) https://www.google.com/search?q=9105...hrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Not familiar with the Austin area but I did a quick Google search for mechanics specializing in Hondas but I responded to your message. It loooks like you have several in your area. I would call and ask about the repair the dealership recommended. Or isf you are close enough, ask in person. Before I bought my 2017 RDX, I talked to a mechanic about issues with the RDX. And now I use him for my RDX and my son's 2005 Pilot. And he is only a mile from my house. It's been a pleasure working with him the past 3 years.