Bad deal at the mechanic's shop today

trekkor · 06:00 PM

So we're wrapping up the e30 build and it's time for the front strut and spring install followed by the alignment.

First red flag: shop calls my client and tell him the Bilstein struts we brought him are not for our car...

He calls back a few minutes later. Ooops! They are the right parts, sorry.

Second red flag: He calls and tells my client that he broke the top off one of the struts just below the threads.

I called and the shop and they gave me a song and dance about how they didn't over torque the nut, it must have been damaged ( they are good used ones ) and it happened while they were trying to align the car.

Third red flag: he tried to convince the client that using a KYB strut on one side would be OK...

I went down there and looked at the part.
It's bent off. It appears the strut was in bind or not seated when they tried to lift the car and it snapped clean off.

The shop has not offered to replace the part.

We had to locate and buy a new strut, have it shipped and now wait until next Tuesday or Wednesday to finish.

I'm not sure what to do here.
I think the shop should pay for the new part and shipping.

KT

masraum · 01-13-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkor

I think the shop should pay for the new part and shipping.

KT

Ya think, wow, you got a bum deal by some real numbskulls!

Absolutely, they should make it right. If they balk, raise hell. Have them get the new part in, but absolutely don't let them install or touch the car any more.

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 05:38 PM

Somehow they can break our parts without accountability...

KT

bell · bell's Garage

they should absolutely replace the part......our shop would without question.

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 05:45 PM

The price was very good for the job and they have been in business for a very long time.
I went there on a referral from my usual guy that was too busy to get to this project.

The install of four springs, two struts and a competition alignment was $325.

Another red flag was:
We made a 9:00 AM appt.
We dropped the car early. They said it would ready at 2:00- OK kinda late.
But they didn't call with the bad news until after 3:00.

I did some quick research and called Bilstein.
20-25 ft pounds and no air tools to install.

I asked them to explain the install to me..
The mechanic that broke the car had 'already gone home'.

I'm still trying to understand how you break a strut top off during an alignment

KT

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 05:48 PM

The new part will be about $200 after shipping.

KT

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

The shop owes you the value of the used strut and you cover the difference to the new one (and no extra labor charge to put it on). BTW, a new strut on one side and a used one on the other?

Gogar · 01-13-2011, 06:20 PM

I told you not to use Wal-Mart's Auto Center!!!

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

a new strut on one side and a used one on the other?

With Bilstein's nod of approval.
I wouldn't normally do that.

They said people do it all the time and it's fine.

KT

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

I'd be stomping a grease spot in somebodies chest.... Fuchtards!

EarlyPorsche · 01-13-2011, 07:04 PM

Not to disagree in a rude way but I do not think used parts installations carry the same "good old boy" mechanic warranty. Obviously if you take a new part to a mechanic and he breaks it there is a warranty with the manufacturer. When you take a "good used" strut to a shop its most likely too questionable to "raise hell" if he doesn't pay. I would most look at Bilstein to fix their error instead of the shop because you say the shop has been around for a while. No strut should break off on the shaft so I would certainly raise this issue with Bilstein. A good faith situation would involve the shop paying for the part and shipping. A realistic situation would have Bilstein taking some responsibility and you ending up with a new strut from Bilstein as a spare (or the client getting it). Don't proceed with anger toward the shop. Read and honestly think about what I wrote.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

How is this on Bilstien's shoulders? You gotta screw it up pretty bad to break a strut top. Even if the shop has been around a while they still could have had the FNG on the project... If there was a flaw with the strut I bet it would have blown up in its past life...

OH OH OH I know! Send the strut to the lubemaster for a failure analysis!

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 07:17 PM

I may not do anything.
I don't really need to.

It's between the client and the shop.

They did admit they've never seen this, nor has Bilstein.

I think they did something on the alignment rack that broke the top because of an improper install, new or used, the strut tops are generally indestructible.
It's physically bent to the point of braking in two.

In all reality, it could probably be welded and used without issue.

I have the part and I will take and post pictures.

KT

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

If there was a flaw with the strut I bet it would have blown up in its past life..

Good point.

KT

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 07:21 PM

Think about it, these struts came off another e30 race car and survived who knows what, but they bend and fail during an alignment....Hmmmm.

KT

9dreizig · 01-13-2011, 07:30 PM

Man you had me worried Trek,, was thinking there was an issue with the Filthy !!!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

A few times, long ago, I've taken a car to a shop to install parts I bought, but couldn't complete the job. I never expected them to warranty parts they didn't supply. This sucks, but that's the risk with supplying your own parts and having someone else install them.

trekkor · 01-13-2011, 08:20 PM

So when they dent the side of the car...That I provided...?

I guess from here on out I need to ask the shop what their policy is when they damage my property while charging me to do it?

KT

campbellcj · 01-13-2011, 08:44 PM

Bummer situation. Makes me think it would be prudent practice to take pics of customer-supplied parts before dropping off at the shop, and have them acknowledge receipt of the parts in good condition, just in case this sort of thing happens.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Some of us are missing the point that the strut was "bent to the point of breaking in two". Something like that would have been noticed long before they got to the point of installation. This isn't some super delicate part here. There's no way it would have bent on its own from a normal alignment.
trekkor: even though this is between the shop and your customer, consider that your reputation is on the line since you recommended the shop. It was my car and they are unwilling to fix their screw-up then I would eat the cost and then reconsider using them in the future. Obviously you shouldn't have to pay for it but you can influence the shop to do the right thing.