Garage Problem

CITMAN · Unread post by **CITMAN** » 31 May 2003, 02:34

I have a Citroen ZX 1.4i. About 18 months ago I had my front calipers replaced by a citroen specialist due to them making load creaking noises when braking . About 4 to 5 months after this I noticed that under hard braking there was a strange burning smell, on inspecting the car I found that the right front brake was much hotter than then left. I took the car back to the citroen specialist who inspected it and said that there was nothing wrong with the brakes and said the smell was just dust (must add the brakes were not hot when he inspected it). The car went in for a brake inspection about 4 months later and nothing was said, I also mentioned an odd squeaking noise when driving occassionally. They couldnt find anything wrong. I then phoned and complained about the right brake getting hot and the squeaking noise the mechanic said it wa dust. Who im I to argue with a trained mechanic.
A month later I complained again about the the right brake getting hot and the squeaking noise. They said that they would strip and clean the front brakes which they did for a price. I thought the car was alright as it didnt squeak I didnt notice that the right brake was still getting hot and it didnt smell. That was until the squeaking noise come back and found that the left wheel was 50c and the right was approaching 110c.
So i decided to take it to another garage who striaght away said that the caliper slides where stiff, and the right brake pads friction material was coming away from the back plates, they losened up the caliper and fitted new pads. They also said that the rear subframe mounts were fitted incorrectly, the front brake hoses were routed incorrectly. This was just a five minute look around the car.
What advice would you give me regarding approacinh the previous garage that did this work?

leonardo · Unread post by **leonardo** » 02 Jun 2003, 17:48

Name and shame them!

Unread post by **Jon** » 02 Jun 2003, 19:22

If you do that, please can you email me [email protected] prior to posting. This is due to possible legal reasons. I will review or edit any posts in this regard due to possible legal reasons, as I am sure that you will all appreciate.
[:-)]

CITMAN · Unread post by **CITMAN** » 02 Jun 2003, 20:09

i dont think it would be a good idea to name and shame them.

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 02 Jun 2003, 20:41

Think you will have to put it down to experience. In theory you can make a claim using the County Court small claims procedure for the money wasted but I don't think it really is worth the trouble as if you are not lucky you will have to produce your new mechanic at the hearing to give evidence etc as well as all the trouble of attending preliminary hearings, drawing documents . . .
Another one gets away with it!
jeremy

Unread post by **alan s** » 03 Jun 2003, 03:13

Just a thought, but have you thought of just going back to see the original repairer & taking the original account and the one from the other guy & simply discussing it with him and pointing out that his garage charged you for incorrect &/or faulty work that cost you more money to rectify.
He might just tell you to take a hike; then again, he also may have enough pride in his work & reputation to make some kind of reimbursement offer.
Alan S

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 03 Jun 2003, 03:19

Agree w/ AlanS
We are all humans - and humans fails at times [:)]
Might just be a change he wants to rectify matters, to keep up his reputation. Generally the way to try this, is to be polite, patient and serious. Do'nt let personal feelings guide you - this allways makes a base for trouble.

CITMAN · Unread post by **CITMAN** » 03 Jun 2003, 16:04

thanks for your advice.