Took Car to Neighbors Shop and His Employees Screwed it Up!

[kimura]

Originally Posted by Style Yes, I had them install the pads and had the brake fluid flushed.

I guess there's not much point in hammering you here as I doubt you will forget this lesson. I'll just say its worth the investment of buying basic hand tools and learning to do stuff yourself.

you should try to calm down and talk to the shop owner about the basic facts here. don't talk to him when his annoying bitch wife is around. don't lose your temper or make any accusations you can't prove. acting like a child and throwing a fit just makes them want to fuck you over.

it sounds like you might have a case here. car worked when you brought it in, you saw the employee launch hard when he drove off, and the car broke while the employee was driving it. now the car won't go into gear and shakes like crazy. have you checked your engine bay? did a mount fail?

[Style]

Originally Posted by johnredding Yeah that's what I mean, not so much that they'd be confused about it. Rather when they ask and get a "yes I have limited theECU because I don't trust a single one of you in here". The you get shitty welds because someone got offended. It's just something I have wondered. Regardless, you were having brake work done not 4th gears logs out of their driveway no reason to be driving like that. I'd say if it just miraculously broke, which I doubt, they'd still be on the hook. It's the cost of doing business.

Exactly! The car was in their hands when it happened... and he was driving it like a moron. They should be obligated to fix it whether they disliked my reaction or not. That shouldn't have anything to do with it.

It's funny because when they tried explaining why the wheels spun, they tried saying that it was because he put it in second gear while driving too slow. I was like that's not even how it works... I can put the car in 6th gear while driving slow and my tires aren't going to break loose and spin at 80 miles per hour! He obviously dumped the clutch at too high of revs. They had no idea what they were talking about.

Originally Posted by kimura I guess there's not much point in hammering you here as I doubt you will forget this lesson. I'll just say its worth the investment of buying basic hand tools and learning to do stuff yourself. you should try to calm down and talk to the shop owner about the basic facts here. don't talk to him when his annoying bitch wife is around. don't lose your temper or make any accusations you can't prove. acting like a child and throwing a fit just makes them want to fuck you over. it sounds like you might have a case here. car worked when you brought it in, you saw the employee launch hard when he drove off, and the car broke while the employee was driving it. now the car won't go into gear and shakes like crazy. have you checked your engine bay? did a mount fail?

I tried checking out the side mounts but I couldn't really tell. Maybe the rear motor mount?

[Masterspeed]

I still don't get why a "Mechanic" would be launching it hard and abusing a car that might have a brake issue. Seems like he wasn't worried he wouldn't be able to stop.

Defiantly look into a talking to the owner calmly once you have the results from the 3rd party mechanic. Allot easier to fight when you have ammunition to take with you.

[kimura]

Originally Posted by Style They should be obligated to fix it whether they disliked my reaction or not. That shouldn't have anything to do with it.

of course this is true, but that's not always how things work in the real world. you should express your dissatisfaction and opinion on what happened but you should keep it professional. right up to the point that you firebomb the business.

of course, everyone has their own style, but the idea here is that you make them want to do the right thing.

Originally Posted by Style I tried checking out the side mounts but I couldn't really tell. Maybe the rear motor mount?

PMM will leak fluid if broken. RMM is easy to pull and check. if a failed mount is causing you to be unable to shift it should be pretty damn obvious... it was just a thought. if you had a failing mount the jackass from the shop might have broken it while beating on your car. I don't know how hard it is to break the trans mount but I think all the mounts are less than stellar

[johnredding]

Originally Posted by Masterspeed I still don't get why a "Mechanic" would be launching it hard and abusing a car that might have a brake issue. Seems like he wasn't worried he wouldn't be able to stop. Defiantly look into a talking to the owner calmly once you have the results from the 3rd party mechanic. Allot easier to fight when you have ammunition to take with you.

QFT.

Let me assess the brake quality while launching as hard as possible.

On the "keeping calm" issue, it's very easy to suggest that when it isn't your car stuck on the side of the road.

[Style]

Originally Posted by kimura of course this is true, but that's not always how things work in the real world. you should express your dissatisfaction and opinion on what happened but you should keep it professional. right up to the point that you firebomb the business. of course, everyone has their own style, but the idea here is that you make them want to do the right thing. PMM will leak fluid if broken. RMM is easy to pull and check. if a failed mount is causing you to be unable to shift it should be pretty damn obvious... it was just a thought. if you had a failing mount the jackass from the shop might have broken it while beating on your car. I don't know how hard it is to break the trans mount but I think all the mounts are less than stellar

It shifts fine when the car is off so I don't know what that leaves us with.

BUT, if things start to go worse and worse, my ACC professor's dad is a lawyer and I'm sure he can help me out with some tips and all that fun shit. Maybe scare them a little... I don't think businesses like to hear the word lawsuit, right?

Originally Posted by johnredding QFT. Let me assess the brake quality while launching as hard as possible. On the "keeping calm" issue, it's very easy to suggest that when it isn't your car stuck on the side of the road.

THIS!

[Mauro_Penguin]

This situation really sucks man. Luckily it wasn't a throwout bearing or release fork. Any way you can get your local media involved?

I don't blame you for wanting to burn his house down, but if his wife is a bitch, and he can't man up and say his employee's fucked up, find a way to close his shop down. That way him and his trash family will be broke and lose that fucking house. I'm sure you have some clown on your local news that investigates and helps people like you in crappy situations like this. Look into it, and good luck.

[theurgy]

This is one small reason why I have a discreet dash cam installed in my car.

[stuntz89]

burn it down pookie..... burn that motherfucka DOWN

[kimura]

Originally Posted by johnredding On the "keeping calm" issue, it's very easy to suggest that when it isn't your car stuck on the side of the road.

whatever, it's even easier to suggest when you've been there, and done that. I've been down this road. that's why I'm telling you to stay calm, because it can be easy to let emotions run wild and cloud your judgement when it comes to beloved cars.

or you could go in there and throw a tantrum and issue threats and confirm their assumption that you are a spoiled kid. either way

[TheFlash]

I think most people just underestimate the power out cars make. The pedal is very light and given the slightest push the car will take off. I imagine he just assumed it was like any other car and pushed the peddle. The shit took off and he was like, "O shit!" Got on the street, did it again, fucked up shifting and blew the cylinder.


"Sent from behind Smelson"

[Slash]

So no nudes of this owner/neighbors wife yet?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Style]

Originally Posted by kimura whatever, it's even easier to suggest when you've been there, and done that. I've been down this road. that's why I'm telling you to stay calm, because it can be easy to let emotions run wild and cloud your judgement when it comes to beloved cars. or you could go in there and throw a tantrum and issue threats and confirm their assumption that you are a spoiled kid. either way

I'm just trying to have a sense of humor to lighten up my shitty week man... Don't take me so seriously. I know it's best to be mature and professional. I understand that I handled it the wrong way then and there when it happened.

As for them thinking I'm spoiled, I don't see what would lead them to believe that. I worked my way up to where I'm at. They saw the piece of shit car I drove before this and I'm sure they notice me coming home late every night after work. I bust my ass for my car. Every single cent I make goes into my car. I don't buy myself "cool" clothes and shoes... Just because I'm young, doesn't mean mommy and daddy maintain my car for me.

It's easy to understand why I blew up when you see my financial situation and how I spend my money. I'm in debt for four more years for a car I can't even drive right now. As a matter of fact, my next payment is due sometime this week. How cool is it that, huh?

Originally Posted by Slash So no nudes of this owner/neighbors wife yet? Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

And no, unfortunately

[Masterspeed]

Originally Posted by johnredding QFT. Let me assess the brake quality while launching as hard as possible. On the "keeping calm" issue, it's very easy to suggest that when it isn't your car stuck on the side of the road.

Been in worse many a time before. Learned that getting pissed usually gets you nothing in return where as calm approach usually gets some results. It is easy to tell someone to F*@$ off it came in for brakes and now your car doesn't shift; not my problem, when someone is being an asshole to you. I know I have been a mechanic and service advisor for years. I am more willing to help someone that is not getting up in my face.

Not saying that it is one sides fault or not. I just learned over years of getting pissed off at people and getting little to no result that is not worth it.

Not saying it is good business for this company to say we changed the brakes and now the car is broke elsewhere it’s your problem is right thing to do. But, if you go to court and say "these a$$ holes did my brakes and now my car doesn't shift." The judge will throw it out. I have been on both sides of a court case. No one wins when both sides get ignorant.

Let cool heads prevail and try to work it out. You might be surprised.


Side note. Learn to do your own brakes. A lot easier than you think. Tons of people on here and on other forums that would be more than willing to help out. I been turning wrench for 15+ years and not afraid to ask for help. It is always fun to learn a new way to do something or do something I had never done before. Keep working on your car. It save you money and headache. If you screw something up. Oh well, at least you learned something. Wrench on.

[ms3rick]

Really sucks man, hope it works out for you

[Ace Protege]

One of the many reasons I do all my own work.

[ms3_goon]

Subbed for the results. Hope you get this all worked out man

[MazdaBoy2.3]

The only time my car see's a garage other than my own, or a fellow NATOR members, is if it needs to get inspected. And I choose to sit and watch while they do it.

Matt

[Style]

Trust me guys... lesson learned.

[ibsir]

Man I feel for you and yeah I've been down this road as well. Best advice as others have stated, small stuff like brakes, rotation, fluids, mounts etc. Learn to do this yourself. Not only does it save money and give you piece of mind, but you simultaneously educate yourself in regards to the car. I honestly think you'll come out on top with this. As long as you keep your cool and don't make any rash decisions. Good luck with this pain in your ass bro.

Str8 Tapping

[kimura]

Originally Posted by Style I'm just trying to have a sense of humor to lighten up my shitty week man... Don't take me so seriously. I know it's best to be mature and professional. I understand that I handled it the wrong way then and there when it happened. As for them thinking I'm spoiled, I don't see what would lead them to believe that. I worked my way up to where I'm at. They saw the piece of shit car I drove before this and I'm sure they notice me coming home late every night after work. I bust my ass for my car. Every single cent I make goes into my car. I don't buy myself "cool" clothes and shoes... Just because I'm young, doesn't mean mommy and daddy maintain my car for me. It's easy to understand why I blew up when you see my financial situation and how I spend my money. I'm in debt for four more years for a car I can't even drive right now. As a matter of fact, my next payment is due sometime this week. How cool is it that, huh?

trust me my dude, I know how you feel. I know how it feels to get ripped off by a shady shop, and I know how it feels to be broke and in debt with no car too. I would almost definitely lose my temper too. that's why I'm posting in the thread. you're almost always more likely to get satisfaction if you don't start out by putting them on the defensive

think about the reaction you might have gotten if you had actually started to chuckle when you saw the guy sneaking back to the shop after fucking up your car. "hey buddy, where ya going? did you run out of gas?"..."soooo are you guys going to be replacing my motor or just the tranny?" lol I don't know if that would have helped but its way more fun than getting mad anyway. maybe its just my personality

there is a good chance they think you are spoiled just because you're young. that's the only reason I said that. its a stupid assumption but it's common

[Style]

Originally Posted by kimura trust me my dude, I know how you feel. I know how it feels to get ripped off by a shady shop, and I know how it feels to be broke and in debt with no car too. I would almost definitely lose my temper too. that's why I'm posting in the thread. you're almost always more likely to get satisfaction if you don't start out by putting them on the defensive think about the reaction you might have gotten if you had actually started to chuckle when you saw the guy sneaking back to the shop after fucking up your car. "hey buddy, where ya going? did you run out of gas?"..."soooo are you guys going to be replacing my motor or just the tranny?" lol I don't know if that would have helped but its way more fun than getting mad anyway. maybe its just my personality there is a good chance they think you are spoiled just because you're young. that's the only reason I said that. its a stupid assumption but it's common

Ahhhhh fair enough man...

Now I'm sitting here regretting my attitude I just got pissed when I heard him take off so hard. I had all this anxiety built up from waiting for him and when he finally showed up, I exploded.

[Dash08]

I'm not taking sides, but I think it's fair to throw this out there...

Even if he did beat the hell out of the car for one test drive around the block, it should hold up. Even with its current brake issues, you drove the car without a massive failure.

It's entirely possible that the slave cylinder just happened to go out when someone else was driving it. Timing has an interesting way of fucking people over like that.

Obviously, that fucktard shouldn't be beating on customers cars, but think about this...

Most people who have never driven this car, tend to fuck up the take off. They either give it too much throttle causing the tires to spin when they finally engage or they give it too little and stall or bog down.

I just have a hard time believing that he initiated a massive failure in the car from one drive. Our cars are not that sensitive.

It may just be unbelievably shitty timing that he was in the car driving like an ass when it decided to let go. Maybe he wasn't even driving like an ass, maybe he just fucked up the take off like I mentioned.

He probably freaked out and acted shady because he doesn't know how to deal with it. He knows you're gonna be livid, his boss is gonna be pissed, he may lose his job from something that wasn't really his fault, and all he has to back anything up is his own word, which is shit at that point.

You have to look at every angle no matter how painful it is. Until then, you're just jumping to conclusions.

On another note, I understand your frustration and your actions.

[Style]

Originally Posted by Dash08 I'm not taking sides, but I think it's fair to throw this out there... Even if he did beat the hell out of the car for one test drive around the block, it should hold up. Even with its current brake issues, you drove the car without a massive failure. It's entirely possible that the slave cylinder just happened to go out when someone else was driving it. Timing has an interesting way of fucking people over like that. Obviously, that fucktard shouldn't be beating on customers cars, but think about this... Most people who have never driven this car, tend to fuck up the take off. They either give it too much throttle causing the tires to spin when they finally engage or they give it too little and stall or bog down. I just have a hard time believing that he initiated a massive failure in the car from one drive. Our cars are not that sensitive. It may just be unbelievably shitty timing that he was in the car driving like an ass when it decided to let go. Maybe he wasn't even driving like an ass, maybe he just fucked up the take off like I mentioned. He probably freaked out and acted shady because he doesn't know how to deal with it. He knows you're gonna be livid, his boss is gonna be pissed, he may lose his job from something that wasn't really his fault, and all he has to back anything up is his own word, which is shit at that point. You have to look at every angle no matter how painful it is. Until then, you're just jumping to conclusions. On another note, I understand your frustration and your actions.

But I don't see how the timing on the Slave Cylinder caused something to mess up and make the car rumble. I swear I feel like the idiot tried jamming it into gear without the clutch and caused serious damage. Either that or he was just that shitty of a driver and screwed up something else.

If someone forces the car into gear, what could happen if the clutch isn't pressed down? Is the transmission fucked?

[Scribbles]

Originally Posted by Style If someone forces the car into gear, what could happen if the clutch isn't pressed down? Is the transmission fucked?

It'll grind the gear abit. You're probably fine and just freaking the fuck out. Check out the slave cylinder, the pedal is stuck down cause there is no pressure to bring it back up(or however the fuck it works). I'm guessing the hardline connecting to the slave cylinder popped off/that's where it's leaking. You'll know when it's not holding pressure and leaking. If so, take off the U-clip, the hardline, makes sure the rubber gasket is flat and reinstall the stuff. Test the system again. If it still leaks, you'll need a new slave cylinder.

I believe you fucked up starting the car knowing the slave cylinder was done. I'm not familiar of how it works but I'll try my best. The car started because the sensor was activated(clutch to the floor), but there wasn't pressure against the pressure plate so the clutch was still grabbing. I'd think this as switching gears when driving without using the clutch.

[Ace Protege]

As a mechanic I gotta agree with @Dash08 Some things just happen to have shitty timing. As a driver there's really nothing you can do to cause a slave cylinder to fail.

[Cheapspeed]

They're neighbors. The car went wrong under their supervision, and it's their word against his. However, a respectable shop would at least try to solve the issue at a fair price.

[thanox2]

Originally Posted by Style This is true also... I just don't like asking for favors when I can't really give back. I can't offer to buy someone a beer because I'm not even old enough for that. I'll buy you a burger or a pack of cigarettes but that's honestly all I got. I only took it to the shop because they had done the brakes to begin with and that was early April. Way before I even donated and talked to the local guys. Who's gonna wanna help some Brownie that just joins and asks for help? I don't wanna be one of THOSE guys... As for helping me out now, having someone mess with the car that isn't some "big fancy professional car shop" would mess up my chances to have these guys pay for their mistakes.

I don't think this is what NATOR is all about. I'm pretty sure that being in install days helping out other members is enough. If your local NATOR chapter is forcing people to buy them shit for help... someone is going to have a bad time...

[Mauro_Penguin]

As some members have said, it may just be a horrible coincidence. Did you notice anything odd about your clutch pedal at all during the last few weeks prior to them doing work or even after they did your brakes? They might have fucked up while bleeding the system out, or maybe the slave was on its way out and they iced the cake?

I had something similar happen to me with an older car a few years ago, and you can tell right away if the hydraulic clutch isn't right, even if it seems faint.

The fact that the brakes and clutch share the same reservoir makes it very likely that they may have finished off a slave that was on its way out. A shitty job of bleeding COULD do that (but not guaranteed), if your parts were on their way out already.

I'm not saying its right, but if it is just a coincidence then you may not have to worry about too much damage to your trans or clutch even if a retard was driving it.

[Style]

Originally Posted by thanox2 I don't think this is what NATOR is all about. I'm pretty sure that being in install days helping out other members is enough. If your local NATOR chapter is forcing people to buy them shit for help... someone is going to have a bad time...

Nooooo they're not asking for anything, I'm just saying I don't like asking for favors if I can't give something back in return. I'm just not that type of person. The local NATOR guys are pretty cool.

[Style]

I just got off the phone with Mazda...

The car needs a new clutch, the slave cylinder is fucked, there's possible transmission damage, and there's really no way to determine if all this happened on one drive.

The quote they gave me to fix everything is $2855. This has turned into the biggest mistake of my life. It'll be months before I get my car going again.

Thanks a lot Kremko. Now my piece of shit neighbors can laugh when they see my car sitting on the driveway for 2 months.

[MizzyMS3]

Damn. Sorry to hear about this man. Sounds like you may be on the hook for the bill, even though you had a working car when you brought it to them.

However, dealerships always charge out the ass for everything. Organize a day with your local Nator crew, and save a ton on labor. Hopefully you're up and running soon.

[DVM17]

Ouch. FWIW, I just had my clutch done and they quoted me $2000. I got the oem clutch. and used the flywheel from the dealers race car that had 500 miles on it, but got it free from them.

I'd try to see if they can help you out price-wise. Dealers can usually get stuff pretty cheap.

[manila]

I think this is one of times "If you break it, you're responsible." Your car may have been in working condition, but you don't know if it was on a limp leg or not.

I'm with you though, the employee has no right to beat on a customer's car. That's total BS. If I saw some dude beating on my car at a shop I would close line him the second he stepped foot on pavement.

[DoMiNic]

Originally Posted by Style I just got off the phone with Mazda... The car needs a new clutch, the slave cylinder is fucked, there's possible transmission damage, and there's really no way to determine if all this happened on one drive. The quote they gave me to fix everything is $2855. This has turned into the biggest mistake of my life. It'll be months before I get my car going again. Thanks a lot Kremko. Now my piece of shit neighbors can laugh when they see my car sitting on the driveway for 2 months.

Bring car home, buy new slave, call NATOR for help installing, drive car. How would they know if the clutch is bad when the slave is dead? Did they take it out and look at it? No. They are trying to replace as much as they can, tell then to f off and try just fixing the slave yourself. or hell, buy the slave and ask the neighbor to help you change it yourself. Its the least he can do..

What did they say about rough idle?

[Style]

Originally Posted by DoMiNic Bring car home, buy new slave, call NATOR for help installing, drive car. How would they know if the clutch is bad when the slave is dead? Did they take it out and look at it? No. They are trying to replace as much as they can, tell then to f off and try just fixing the slave yourself. or hell, buy the slave and ask the neighbor to help you change it yourself. Its the least he can do.. What did they say about rough idle?

They didn't even mention the rumbling actually. I'm scared on asking now. I don't want that price to double...

[DoMiNic]

At any rate I doubt you clutch is bad at 58k...

[johnredding]

If the car is down for any amount of time, which I hope it isn't..please store it in his driveway across the street.

[El_Diablo]

Clutch damage could be possible. I have seen cars with bad slave's frag clutches before. My father in laws car did it last year actually. The clutch will slowly engage as the pressure bleeds off which can cause excessive heating, over time this can glaze the clutch and cause it to come brittle, one missed shit or accidental high clutch drop and the clutch can shatter.

While this may not be the case, it could explain the rumbling sound that you heard as its usually what has gotten described to me in this situation as well. I've seen probably 3-4 events similar to this in my time wrenching.

Either way its hard to say without atleast pulling the inspection cover. You might aswell go ahead and replace the slave either way as its a known bad item at this point.

Originally Posted by johnredding If the car is down for any amount of time, which I hope it isn't..please store it in his driveway across the street.

Better yet, put a sign that says "Kremko Broke My Car" on it and park it facing out of your driveway.

[jack_hammer]

time to call the local news stations. public pressure will probably be your only hope.


well...after you talk to the shop owner and he (presumably) denies everything.