I took the car for a test drive yesterday after they replaced the front bushings and ball joints-no messages still (yay). It'll probably be back home tomorrow. I received my OBD II reader (reads ABS codes), so I'll pull codes then and post here. Thanks.

 

My method is better.

Line the cams where both flat spots are at the top, by bumping the starter or turning the crank.
Lock a vise grip plier on each cam using a shop rag to prevent a scratch(optional)

Lock a hose clamp on both the pairs of vise grips so they don't move.

Replace your tensioners, this is very easy, just messy.

I bet money, your tensioner has a microscopic crack
or worse.
Mine looked fine until I took one off and cleaned it with brake cleaner, and wow spider ed cracks all over the place. A ticking time bomb !

 

Hi Folks. I'm sorry for the delay in the update. I just picked up my car yesterday. My tech performed the following for a shade over $800 labor only (I provided the parts): On the front suspension, replaced all wishbone bushings and lower ball joints. Replaced anti-sway bar bushings. Replaced right bank cam cover gasket (which had a slight leak-left was OK). As I previously mentioned, although we confirmed the tensioners and pulleys are plastic, we chose to not replace them at this time (including chains). The car has 90k miles and runs like a top. I know all the great advice here strongly suggests to at least replace the secondary tensioners. I think I will do that myself in the Spring. BTW, no codes from my reader, and the two messages remain gone (for now), even after lots of driving yesterday. Next, off to the alignment shop to mount and balance two (slightly used) front tires, as well as an alignment. The existing front tires have ruined inside tread due to the perished bushings, on which the PO must have driven for some time.

 

It would be a good idea to have the alignment checked now that the suspension is rebuilt. If the tow in is off that could result in wear on the inside also.

 

Got the new front tires and 4-wheel alignment done today. I wasn't able to really test the before-and-after difference because of the 'tupid Chicago traffic. I'm sure it's much better. Of course, after everything I just got done, the tech told me the bushings on the lower shock mounts are worn. What else is new? Oh yeah...The f'cking messages are back on! Sweet.

 

Read post #20

 

I'll give the testing procedure a try. Thanks, Gus.