[mikester]

Did this shop do all the previous work or have a history of working on their cars? It could have been over tightened by another shop if they had taken it somewhere else. Or at least this shop could say that.

I'm not sure I would turn the customer away because they are in a bad spot - they need someone now and if you're there for them they could end up being a good customer who is looking for an honest mechanic rather than the cheapest deal. That's the kind of customer you want anyway isn't it?

They are the ones who help you via word of mouth. Honest Mechanics - as with any service are genuinely hard to find.