What would you do? (mechanic problem) or what can I do?

[episodic]

My wife took our car to the dealer.

I told my wife the rack needed to be replaced for the steering.

Wife asks dealership if it was the rack, and that is what we thought (the steering column's rack) - dealer convinced her it was the power steering pump after seeing the fluid not flow (it doesn't flow with a bad rack either).

I DO NOT feel like we should have to pay a dime of labor for the needless pump replacement. These are supposedly mechanics of a dealership that specialize in this car.

 

[mooseracing]

If someone signed off on the repairs (reciept or quote) or gave permission you don't have a choice. It doesn't matter if he convinced her and she sad yes and authorized the work. Maybe he did think thats what it was, wrong fixes happen all the time.

 

[episodic]

This just burns me the wrong way. If I diagnosed a computer problem, did a fix, and the computer still didn't turn on - I DIDN'T FIX IT - and I deserve no money.

 

[woodie1]

Blame your wife - she should have called you before signing off on the repair since it was different than your instructions.

 

[MiataNC]

If you took it in for "no power steering" and the repair they made did not fix the problem, then you should not have to pay for the repair. Take it up with management.

You may have to fight through small claims, the better business bureau, or some similar entity. Up to you whether or not it is worth it.

 

[Zenmervolt]

It is entirely possible that the bad rack caused the pump to fail. Unless you can prove that the pump was, in fact, still good and should not have been replaced there's not much you can do. You also do not state whether you have received the car back from repairs yet. Have you? Did they have to replace the rack as well?

ZV

 

[episodic]

They still have the car.

The mechanic admits that it was not the pump.

He said it has always usually the pump, even though he knew it was a possibility it was the rack (remember, I knew it was the rack - how did I know? - I 've had a car with a rack that went out before). I know the characteristics of it. I'm mechanically inclined, just lacking tools and everything to do this job. I'm going to ask to have the labor for the pump removed.


I'm trying to figure out if the computer analogy will work with these guys.

I mean really, if I diagnose something wrong - and well, it didn't fix it - should I be paid? I wouldn't have the audacity to ask for money for something I diagnosed wrong.

 

[jagec]

Maybe the dealer thought you'd get angry if they fiddled around with your wife's rack.

 

[1prophet]

Did they use a tool similar to this to check it out first?



Power steering analyzer

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: episodic
They still have the car.

The mechanic admits that it was not the pump.

He said it has always usually the pump, even though he knew it was a possibility it was the rack (remember, I knew it was the rack - how did I know? - I 've had a car with a rack that went out before). I know the characteristics of it. I'm mechanically inclined, just lacking tools and everything to do this job. I'm going to ask to have the labor for the pump removed.


I'm trying to figure out if the computer analogy will work with these guys.

I mean really, if I diagnose something wrong - and well, it didn't fix it - should I be paid? I wouldn't have the audacity to ask for money for something I diagnosed wrong.

Unfortunately, if the work was authorized, there may be little you can legally do.

However, since you have not yet received the car, you are in a better position. Also, if you have proof from them that the pump was not faulty, you are in a much better position. A competent mechanic should have noticed that the pump was functioning properly and refrained from replacing it. If the mechanic will back you, you can argue that the pump should not have been changed and that any costs related to the pump should be covered by the base diagnostic fee (which is almost always waived if the repair is performed) and should not be incorporated into your final bill.

ZV

 

[Vetterin]

I have a funny feeling you will be hit up for both the pump and the rack (after it's replaced) with the explaination that they were both bad but they actually tried to save you money be replacing the cheapest item (pump) first hoping that would correct the problem.

 

[MiataNC]

Tell them to change the rack and put your old pump back on at no charge unless they want to give it to you for free.

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: episodic
This just burns me the wrong way. If I diagnosed a computer problem, did a fix, and the computer still didn't turn on - I DIDN'T FIX IT - and I deserve no money.

I would do the same if it was me as well, but thats a businesses choice. Smaller shops may do that but larger ones won't. I would just chalk it up and never go back to that place again. They didn't sign a piece of paper that said we guarentee it will fix it.

either way good luck. I woudl say it's time to make friends with a small shop and rent time in his garage to fix things yourself.

 

[episodic]

I talked to the manager today. I ended up getting the labor free and paying for the part - he met me in the middle. I feel ok about that. I think they were not too happy I went to the manager though.