Took my car to a local dealer for a weird sound I've had them look at 2 other times. This time I go to pick up my car and they tell me they think it might be the differential or the right axle. Then they tell me I need to pay them $130 for their diagnostic guess. I say, "You didn't diagnose shit, you're guessing and think I'll just accept your guess." Then I told them I'll pay them $130 and the cost of the rear differential if they'll guarantee that it's the problem and not just a guess. They tell me that's not how it works.
What other business gets away with guessing what a problem is and then charging you for that guess without guaranteeing their guess is right?
-------------- The people are masters of both Congress and courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it!
It's hard to find a good mechanic, dealerships are always pricey.. Have my own OBDII scanner but that's not going to tell me anything about a differential or axle..so yeah it's guess, hopefully an educated/experienced guess.
I don't have a problem with paying them for diagnosing a problem but they didn't diagnose the problem. With my limited knowledge of cars I showed the technician in a 500yd drive how they couldn't be right. And if they're just going to guess I wouldn't instantly go to an entire rear differential and axles. I'd be more than happy for a list of just one thing, but I'd like it to be the right thing.
And the car has a warranty where I pay $100 at most so it's not about money, it's about getting a service when you pay for it. And I don't want the entire rear drivetrain replaced for a noise that has no effect on the car. it's been making the noise since 15,000 miles and I've had it there twice before. The last time they replaced my shocks and springs with under 40,000 miles on it.
What other business can I take something to and ask if they can fix something and they say, "I think something it's broken, that will be $130"?
Its not an easy problem to fix. It only makes the noise occasionally, but only under 20 mph, usually when turning, and only the first couple turns. My guess is a bushing but nobody can find a bad bushing. I've spent hours under the car, and reading on the internet but I haven't been able to figure it out.
-------------- The people are masters of both Congress and courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it!
Maybe. That's a big problem but I think it usually fails completely. This noise sounds like someone slapping the back fender. There's nothing it seems to change with the car. One of the times I had it in they found a wrench from the factory in the fender but it wasn't the noise. I still wonder if another tool wasn't left somewhere in the rear of it.
-------------- The people are masters of both Congress and courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it!
Remember boys and girls,