Midas sucks, what do you think?

[wyvrn]

I took the Infiniti J30 into the shop in April because the steering wheel shuddered when I breaked, so I know I needed some pads or more work done on the car. We had never replaced the pads on the car since buying it used and it seemed reasonable that the break pads needed replacement... Anyway they said the rotors were warped and one was too thin to machine, so I just replaced both rotors and pads. I asked them to put the goop on the pads so they wouldn't squeal, either... 8 months later my car is doing the same thing, virbration when I apply the break (not light breaking, medium to hard breaking).. So I called the Midas guy and he says the pads are warrantied for lifetime, but the rotors are 90 days. So it looks like I am stuck paying them to fix the rotors when I go back, if they are indeed bad, even though I have had them less than a year. Now I know rotors should last more than a year because the ones on the car are factory original and it sounds like they are trying to rip me off. I doubt they even used quality parts in the first place, and why would you offer such a short warranty on the rotors? And they didn't apply the goop because the breaks have squealed the whole time.

I am about ready to tell their district manager to bite me and just take the car to the dealership and have them correct it. What do you car experts think?

 

[IGBT]

They kinked a brake line in my truck. Last time I ever do biz. with those hammer mechanics.:disgust:

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

Go to the dealer. The bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the excitement of getting a cheap deal.

 

[ImTyping]

My first and last experience with a Midas dealership: The master cylinder fails on my car while I was going down a hill. I manage to get it stopped, and I walk to a Midas dealership a half mile away. The guy is sitting on the phone. I say to him: "The brakes just went out in my car, I have no change, and I need to call my brother so he can tow the car over to your shop." The midas guy, who is on the phone, says "There are payphones out front."

I place a collect call to my brother, and we take the car home.

 

[Vegito]

I work on cars a lot and WARP brakes are the most common thing that happens..

1. Driving style - Do you brake hard ? we all have to do some times so it doesn't escape it..

2. What kind of rotor did they use ? You're actually better off getting original parts instead of aftermarket.

Aftermarket ie Midas, my buy generic non heat treated, really bad, warps in 1 shot rotors... so you're screwed even if you bought new pads and rotors..

Rotor should last a life time..

3. Most important.. torque specs.. Over tighten of anything, especially tires nuts with a impact wrench WILL cause rotor to warp faster...

My guess is 3, they overtighten everything and screw you up...
I dont know how to argue with those f#(@@ but you're better off getting a torque wrench and after who ever works on ur brakes next time, loosen and re-torque the wheels to the right spec... or expect problem again..

 

[Ornery]

I'm thinking your caliper is not releasing enough. It should have been rebuilt or replaced first time around. The mount it slides in needs to be cleaned and lubed too. If at all possible, try doing it yourself. It may take a while the first time, but you'll blow through it next time around. That's too easy of a job to pay someone else so much money to do. There's fewer and fewer things you can repair yourself on cars these days, but disc brakes are still easy enough.

 

[Thegonagle]

Midas sucks. They use cheap parts and low-paid hacks as brake pad "installers." ASE mechanics, my ass.

Take it to the dealer or to an independent Nissan guy who uses genuine Nissan/Infiniti parts, not the cheapest "replacement" he can find.

BTW, most cars don't come from the factory with "goop" on the pads. They use the shims that are included in the box of genuine OEM pads. This is why I usually buy pads at the dealership, unless I really don't care about the particular car anymore.

 

[T2T III]

Midas is horrible. Their mechanics (if you dare call 'em that), will recommend many repairs that are not even required - just to get more money out of you. I'd look for another reputable shop.

 

[wyvrn]

I am going to take an auto class at my local community college sometime this year while I finish my degree. I want to at least know how to change my oil, change breaks, etc stuff like that and save some money. I gave midas over $300 and all I get from them are headaches.

The DM said to bring the car in on Wednesday and he would do "something". I am not sure what something is, but if I don't get this fixed free and an extra 90 day warranty, I am going to raise hell all the way up to the chairman if I have to. I used to not mind paying someone else to do car work for me, but now it is hard to pay a premium and get any sort of quality.

 

[StandardCell]

Midas is notorious for wanting to change springs in cars. That's not exactly a labor-cheap job. Basically, if you know who they are and are your friends, take it to them first. Otherwise, stay away from them.