Re: Why did I take my car to the dealer?

["Michael Theuri" <mikesoft@europa1.conwaycorp.net>]

I had a similar experience with my 88 80Q. I got some used tie rods
so that I could get new adjuster screws as the one's on mine were
bent and I was due to replace the ends with new one's and I didn't like
the way my steering wheel never was straight. Turns out I needed an
alignment after the maneuver as the adjusters were frozen and so my
mech put in the used one's and added the ends since both rods (current
and used were more or less in the same state). So I went to Midas and 
they declined to do it saying that the adjusters were frozen and would
not move and they did not want to be held liable if they stripped 
anything. Well, I went back to my mech. explained to him what happened.
He used a torch, loosened the adjusters and put in my original rods
and the new ends all for free. I took it for an alignment and all ended well. 
BTW, if you used a CC you might be able to stop payment if you 
are unsatisfied with the service that they gave. 

Mike 
88 80Q 164K
 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Shaun Folkerts <fiatlancia@earthlink.net>


Craig - thanks for the reply. Here's the story, and the reason I asked my
question in the first place.

I've had a consistent vibration since I bought my car. The tires were old, so I
replaced them and it helped a bit. I went for an alignment to get the most out
of the new tires, mileage-wise. The tire shop's alignment shop put my car up on
the rack, hooked up the sensors, and then the horrors began.

They said the adjusters were frozen. I said do what you can. They took a BFH to
them.

Then they came back and said the adjusters were frozen and they had to use a
torch. Extra $15 just to fire it up. They had my car hostage and I was late, so
I just told them to get it overwith and proceeded to watch the sparks fly.

They came back and said the adjusters were frozen. By this point, I was very
late and more than a little P.O.ed. They took the car off the rack and asked for
my credit card. I was called into the office to sign it. They charged the full
price of the alignment, pushed the slip my way, and said "sign here." No way, I
said. We had a rousing, um, 'discussion' on the matter, and each of us claimed
we were about to call a cop. Eventually I just had to laugh at these poor
lameass halfwit monkeylads and I signed. I know, dumb, huh? I then got my keys
back and stormed out of the driveway, raising a New York salute in the process.