Pontiac Optima Center (Drag) Link Replacement at your home or office.

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Pontiac Optima Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $326 with $193 for parts and $133 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1989 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$547.79Shop/Dealer Price$658.49 - $959.09
1990 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$519.79Shop/Dealer Price$630.51 - $931.13
1988 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$519.79Shop/Dealer Price$630.51 - $931.13
1989 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$519.79Shop/Dealer Price$630.48 - $931.07
1991 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$519.79Shop/Dealer Price$630.53 - $931.17
1988 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$519.79Shop/Dealer Price$630.51 - $931.13
1990 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$526.79Shop/Dealer Price$637.32 - $937.80
Show example Pontiac Optima Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

  • In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
  • Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
  • One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
  • The defective center drag link is removed
  • The new center drag link is installed
  • The vehicle is removed from jack stands
  • The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

  • Vibration while driving
  • Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Keith

26 years of experience
231 reviews
Keith
26 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Am V6-3.4L - Car is not starting - Fort Worth, Texas
Keith was great, very knowledgeable and made a few much-appreciated recommendations. The only thing keeping this from a 5-star review is that he was about 1.5 hours late, but things like this happen from time to time. He was very professional and thorough. Thanks, Keith!

Joseph

33 years of experience
540 reviews
Joseph
33 years of experience
Pontiac Firebird V8-5.0L - Car is not starting - Wylie, Texas
The whole distributor cap shaft completely fell apart when I took the cap off..., little metal contact points were just scattered in the cap..., it was a bit of a rainy day, and Joseph was just in too big a hurry to do the job correctly... I have been in and out of the hospital lately with blood clots, hence the extremely late evaluation.... I feel I deserve a $40.00 rebate...!!!!

Curtis

29 years of experience
163 reviews
Curtis
29 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Am V6-3.4L - 90,000 Miles Maintenance Service - Augusta, Georgia
He is a very knowledgeable young man.

Brandon

20 years of experience
773 reviews
Brandon
20 years of experience
Pontiac Vibe L4-1.8L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Orlando, Florida
Always early, friendly, professional. Takes his time to make sure everything is done right. Gives great advice. Trustworthy.

Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
2,002
79
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36
2,002
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36
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