So...I finally managed to take my truck in to get serviced before my little upcoming road trip. I normally would never take my vehicle to a dealership to get worked on unless it was under warranty, but I did for a couple reasons.

1. Because this was the same dealership that did a a great job fixing my truck after my accident, and it was out of respect.

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2. Because I was told specifically that they guaranteed all of their work, and a couple of the issues I had were related to the suspension they had completely replaced.

So here are the issues I was bringing it in for to be addressed:

1. Vibration/Shaking at highway speed: My Dx- Alignment/Wheel Balancing

2. Front Driver side wheel well sitting a full inch lower than the right: My
Dx- Control Arm adjustment

3. Fix Driver side parking lamps: My Dx- Ground short circuit possibly

4. Power Steering: My Dx- Power Steering Pump

With the assumption that 1 & 2 would be under their "Warranty", a short circuit being a 1 hour Dx (diagnosis) and simple fix, and the power steering would be a relatively simple fix as well. All in all, I was guesstimating I'd be out the door for somewhere around $400 give or take.

Got a bit of sticker shock Friday afternoon when the service guy called and said that it was gonna cost around $1,400!!!
Granted he wasn't taking into account anything that would/should be covered from the service warranty.

Everything that he listed seemed legit overall, except one. He had listed that my front Engine Crank Seal was "Leaking Oil Badly", which comes as a surprise to me, mainly because I park my truck in the exact same spot in my garage every night and there are no drips on the ground and on top of that...I change my own oil and every couple weeks check the level in case I need a top off; and since the last time I changed it (just over 2 months ago) I haven't had to add any at all...hmmmmmm....

I'll try to post a pic of the service estimate he sent me (so you guys can get a laugh), but right now I'm thinking that OK...first I need to make sure I don't back down in making them fix the problems associated with work they did just a couple months ago ( I can also post some pics of my paper work from the accident detailing what they fixed and replaced) ...take care of the few minor fixes myself...and unless they want to deal with me, take her to my local guy (that charges less than half of what they do for labor) for the rest.


Here is the help and input I could use from those of you here that are pretty auto savvy etc.....

1. In case they give me hard time fixing any issues that should clearly be covered...what kind of debate type ammunition would you guys suggest to strengthen the validity of my claim, argue any possible reasons they might give to say that it's not covered, or as a last resort and type of "consumer threats" I could use (file with BBB, call a local news station about getting ripped off, etc)?

2. Of the items I'll show listed in his report, what tasks would you think are reasonable to tackle myself and which would you think would be best left to my usual mechanic?

3. For any and all of the parts required for my other issues, where would you suggest I could get the best deal on what I need? (and would have the possible option of overnight or 2 day shipping)


I know its super early in the morning already and I'm planning to go see these guys early tomorrow, so I might not have the chance to get any responses from y'all before I go, but I'll be sure to update this post regardless once I get back.

As always, you guys have always been the best, and all your input has been greatly appreciated and worth it's weight in gold...

We've all probably been ripped off or flim flammed at the dealership at least once in our lives, and many have shared their horror stories here...so hopefully with an Army of loyal Dak owners at my back we can win one for the little guy!

 

Here is a copy of the service estimate he sent me.

ACBC4B75-B943-449D-9798-0708A8A190BF-7507-00000558D6FD4595.jpg

 

I guess it comes down to what kind of warranty you are talking about. Need more info on this as to what is you have a warranty on.

I think roadforce balance is a joke and waste of money, as soon as you hit a pot hole your balance will be off again.

I would always want a 4 wheel alignment vs a 2 wheel, it will make your tires last longer, and make sure your truck is not dog walking down the road.

 

Warranty: Good question, all they told me before and even Friday was that, yes...they warranty any repairs they do. I'm going to read the fine print on my paper work from my accident and see if it sheds any light, but in the end...to answer your question about that, I probably won't find out till I get there later on this morning.

Yeah, I honestly had never heard of anyone I know getting a road force balance before...but it specifically states on my paper work that from my accident that they did balance all four wheels and a two wheel alignment. Never had a 4 wheel alignment done...I'm obviously mistaken, but I was always under the impression that since your rear wheels don't move that there wasn't anything to really get aligned...hmmm you learn something new everyday.

What do you mean by "a dog walking down the road"?

 

To go back to the Warranty thing. The way it was explained to me, for example...they had to replace and reinstall both upper and lower control arms on both the left and the right...so if in the dudes estimate he is telling me that the lower control arms need to be re-adjusted...that would make me think "OK, then since a couple months ago, YOU installed them...you should take care of re-adjusting them."


Also, another quick question....it's stated in my paper work that they had to replace the entire rack and pinion....do you know if that would automatically include the outer tie rod ends, inner tie rod ends...or both?

 

[QUOTE=italiandominator;2988668]To go back to the Warranty thing. The way it was explained to me, for example...they had to replace and reinstall both upper and lower control arms on both the left and the right...so if in the dudes estimate he is telling me that the lower control arms need to be re-adjusted...that would make me think "OK, then since a couple months ago, YOU installed them...you should take care of re-adjusting them."

That you need to take up with them. You can fight for warranty repair, but it's up to you and they will probably fight back.


Also, another quick question....it's stated in my paper work that they had to replace the entire rack and pinion....do you know if that would automatically include the outer tie rod ends, inner tie rod ends...or both?[/QUOTE]

Again, that is a question for them. In know if you bought a rack yourself aftermarket, they normally come with inner tie rods, but not outer. Dealer has the tools and expertise to replace inners, so they might have just replaced the rack amnd re-used your original tie rods. Kinda hard for us to say.

 

Thanks Jkeaton, I always appreciate the input I get from a lot of you guys, because even though I'm finding out that I'm a bit more auto knowledgeable than most people I know (which isn't saying much), you guys make me look like deaf-mute trying to win American Idol (just picture it for a second and smile).

...And you're right, overall I know that I do have to take it up with them, just that like most of us, I don't like to be taken advantage of...and being as analytical as I am, I like to be informed about anything I'm dealing with, especially when it comes to my baby.

And I know not every mechanic out there is always trying to pull a fast one on a customer or unwilling to admit when his work might have been unsatisfactory and make it right.

Don't get me wrong, when these guys brought my baby back from the dead after my accident I was absolutely ecstatic with what an amazing job they did, and it really felt good to hear them tell me many times that they were impressed with how well I had taken care of my truck (she had 117K miles at the time, and they said when she first came in they had to check twice to make sure it was the right truck, because looking at her condition they would have swore she only had maybe 40K) and could really tell that I cared about her, plus they like some of the custom work I had done myself.

Plus, it was maybe 3-4 weeks after I picked her up that I noticed a strange noise coming from the rear end, so I took her back in and they were super quick to take her on a test drive around the block and without hesitation say "Yupp, something aint right." throw her up on a rack and discover that when they remounted the rear drums they had made the honest mistake of not readjusting the shoes. No harm, no foul, and no money out of pocket.

So, please don't think I'm bashing mechanics, I have mad respect for those grease monkeys and if I hadn't gone into the Army and the medical field, I'd probably most likely be under a hood somewhere in an auto garage with my name embroidered on my shirt.

At the same time, when I give somebody respect, I expect to get it in return...so when I'm speaking with a service tech and can clearly illustrate that I'm not absolutely clueless like the Paris Hilton wannabe sitting in the waiting area, I don't appreciate it when they approach me with either the "Let me break this down to you grade school Barney style" or the "I'm gonna use as many big words in my sentences as possible, til you give me the blank stare of absolute acceptance of what I'm saying as if it's scripture" ---- Case in point, when the tech is telling me over the phone about how my crank case seal is "leaking oil badly" and I briefly explain to him about how during several of the times I was under her doing minor repairs or maintenance in the past few weeks and didn't notice anything...instead of giving me a response of "Well, trust me it is." ...how about instead invite me to come in so he can show me what he is talking about, and if in my ignorance about crank cases the reality is that a "bad" crank seal leak can actually go easily unnoticed for whatever reason, then fine...Please! educate me, explain it to me. In the end all I (and most any other person) ask for is just some straight forward answers.


Sorry Sorry Sorry, I don't mean to rant on and on.... it's just been a real stressful week with school, I have last minute important road trip to the Pentagon in DC this upcoming weekend that I'm totally unprepared for, several other small fires that keep coming up...and of course my most prized possession is in the shop (not to mention for the past week I've refrained from going postal on the umpteenth person to tell me "you should think about getting something new")

Ugh, the side effects of too much caffeine, stress, and lack of quality sleep...so, please forgive me. Well, I gotta get to the gym and then to the dealership. If y'all want an update when I get back I'll be more than happy to post one.

Before I forget, hope y'all have a Happy Easter :^]=

 

Hope everything went well at the dealership.

You should always get a 4 wheel alignment instead. 2-wheel alignment adjusts the front wheels with respect to the vehicle centerline, but a 4-wheel alignment ensures the front wheels match the orientation of the rears & makes sure the rears are in correct proportion to the centerline (even on vehicles without adjustable rears).

I know this will be to late but anyways

A rack and pinion would only come with inner tie rod ends. I do not know when your truck was fixed, but if it was in the past 6 month outer tie rod ends do not wear that fast and should have been spotted when they did the alignment. I would argue that they cover them under warranty because your control arm is not placed right which caused extra wear and tear on them

The Lower control arm should have also been noticed in the alignment. You should not have to pay for the fix or the new alignment

The leaking front crank seal I think you will have to pay for, not something you want to tackle on your own.

The steering shaft I doubt will be covered. It it only 2 bolts and you can save a few hundred bucks and do it yourself.

 

Hey Guys!!! I got some great friggan news! Sorry, I didn't get back earlier, but I've been busy the last 2 days.

Ok, so let me start out by saying that I think I was really over reacting in my worries about getting screwed over by these guys (like the same way any parent would react if it was their own child getting treated at a hospital, I know I know...it's just truck).

Also, that the end result was nothing less and actually more than I could ever expect to hope for from any mechanic.

::: Bear with me, it's a bit to explain, but I've cut down on my caffeine, so I'll keep it as short as I can ( ish ) :::


Before I go down the list with each item that was on the estimate I'll give you a brief summary of what happened.

..... It was about an hour or so after the place opened and I was literally just about to call them (I hate dealing with crap the second I clock in at my job, so I figured I'd at least give em' a chance to have some coffee and a smoke) and my phone rang...it was the Collision Department Manager. Now, keep in mind...the Collision and Service departments at this place are very separate (like in diff buildings 1/4 mile away) and I had only dealt with the collision guys since my accident and currently. The reason doesn't matter, but my truck was taken over to the service department and it was a Service Tech that did the estimate. The Collision Manager apparently really liked me (especially after the glowing multi-page letter I wrote about how great of job they did with my wreck went to the top of the corporate ladder and made him and his team look really good), and when he caught wind of and reviewed the estimate I was given went out of his way to call me and make sure I was taken care of the right way (also helps he is a truck guy). He took the time to explain what was going on with certain things, that made complete logical sense. Knowing I am decent when it comes to some intermediate repairs, told me which issues I should really fix myself, and briefly described how to do it. Told me NOT to buy some of the parts I needed from them and to get better ones cheaper elsewhere. Took over $100 off of the Steering shaft I needed so I didn't have to buy one from Amazon. On top of that, he also even called out the Service Tech on some total B.S. about needing a new Crank Seal, checked it himself and it was fine. So, I got off the phone extremely happy and relieved. Went and picked up my truck from the Collision Center (they already had the parts I needed in the back seat of my truck). When they cashed me out the total was a bit less than I was expecting, but of course I didn't say anything and waited to leave before I checked my receipt. Now, these guys had my truck for a few days and of course spent a good amount of time looking at all the issues I had, found the problems, and how to fix them. I was expecting that even though when I left they hadn't actually fixed anything, I would have at least been charged some amount of labor for taking her apart, looking everything over, and putting her all back together (plus, cleaned her up for me)....NOPE, not a dime.


Ok, I don't know about you...but unless the mechanic is family or has a sworn life debt to you, I seriously doubt you could expect to get that kind of respect and service from anyone else anywhere...


Ok, so here is break down of each issue that was on the estimate and the resolution:

1. Outer Tie Rods: Original, not accident related. Easy self fix. Moog-$38x2 Amazon

2. Alignment: Get done at Dealership after Tie Rod fix. X's 4 wheels. Will discount.

3. Control Arm Height Adjustment: Not abnormal, self fix when convenient.

4. Steering Shaft: Easy self fix. $123 discount.

5. Left Amber/Tail Light Issue: Replace Tail Lamp Socket. Easy self fix. LOL, this is good

Ok, so if you look back at the estimate I posted...Service Tech quoted $211 to fix this. End result...fixed in my drive way, took less than 15 min and only needed one $8 part.

But I also learned something to pass on... I'm sure most of you (especially the off roaders) know that there is nothing on the bottom of the bed sides to keep dirt, mud, water, etc from splashing all the way up and literally coating the back side of the Tail Lights...Especially all the harnesses plugging everything together. Now, yes there are rubber seals on the harnesses to help keep water and stuff from getting inside to the contacts...but it's inevitable...if water wants to get in it usually will. This was the case with mine, especially after adding my hitch wiring kit. My lamp socket was corroded something awful fierce (even burnt through the back side of it, pic at bottom). So, my lesson is learned. As soon as I get the chance to, I'm gonna go back, unplug everything, clean and dry the crap out of it, apply the Di-electric Grease, and use a bit of RTV seal when I put everything back together. If you have a better suggestion, please chime in (which is mainly why I haven't done it yet). Ok, so back to the rest of the list


6. Road Force Balance: Still highly debated by most. Dealership will do it at discounted price. I'm going to have them do it and my main reason, aside from respect for this Manager guy, is that he wants to check in case there is any defects in the tires...and if so he will make sure that they get replaced at no charge. When dealing with tires that cost about $260 a piece, I'll take the gamble of possibly getting a new set for free and paying a little extra to possibly get a bit longer wear life out of them.

7. Front Engine Crank Seal: Total BS, my crank seal is just fine!


So, in the end...Initial estimate total: $1,400 ... Final Price (guessing future discounts): $493 (ish) Which actually ends up being pretty close what I thought it would cost to fix everything when I first dropped her off, plus a few extra things. So, yeah, you could say I'm one satisfied customer right now.

That Manager showed me the kind of respect and honesty I was taught by my father growing up and always felt was the proper and most ethical way to run any business. Goes to show that by giving them a fair amount of respect in appreciation for their good work from my wreck by taking a little time to write a letter, bring in a few dozen homemade cookies from my parents, and buy lunch for the whole Collision Department Staff...in the end paid off ten fold. It's hard to find that kind of mutual respect these days in most business practices.

Here are a couple pics of the burnt out tail light socket I replaced...if yours looking anything close to this, I would consider dropping a couple bucks and swap em' before it becomes and issue.

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You can easily see on the Chrysler Pentagon logo where the short burnt through the back of the socket.

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So far so good guys...got the tie rods and steering shaft swapped out. I really must say, for never having done it before, it was pretty easy overall. Gonna go in tomorrow to get my alignment and if they still are willing to give me a discount on it, a road forced balance as well.

At least the service tech did get it right with the Steering shaft. The U-Joint at the top of the shaft was messed up alright. If you picture holding the shaft in your hand and just took the bottom off the rack, still connected to the steering column on top...at the U-Joint, it will still move side to side, but trying to move it up and down it's almost completely seized. Once the new one was on, it literally felt like I had a brand new steering system. Can turn the wheel with my pinky no problem.

I'm very eager to see after I get the alignment and balancing how much better she handles on the road.

Oh and the tie rod ends...yeah, they weren't completely shot...but def needed to go. I can move the stem around the joint with one finger like it's a playstation joy stick and where the ball meets the socket there is definitely a good amount of play being able to push/pull it in/out with like 1/4 inch of travel.

Been a great ordeal for me, just because of upcoming obligations and the sticker shock of how much they first said it was gonna cost to fix. Normally, no big deal. But I'm definitely out of the woods, just need to hit the final stretch and get er' done and on the road.

As always you guys are awesome with all the help and you definitely have my utmost respect.