Some mechanics must think people are stupid!

[prktkljokr]

I remember when at Auto bastards we would personally get $2 for each $12 additive we put into a customers car, $10 was the most you could make each car as there were only 5 additives we could use, I personally used to get a extra $150 per week which used to help when you got $350 a week and the mortgage was $320, we had guys that would make more from the additives than their wage, so I know why some workers upsell for the company.

If the customer disputed the additive charges, they just deducted it from the total, im sure the actual cost of the additive would have only been $1

[olds]

In reply to the thread title, People that get other people to service their cars fall into two categories
1on't have the Ability,Knowledge or facility to do it themselves.
2:Have some of the above but are too lazy to do the job themselves.
Though knowing it wont be up to their high standards.

[Syndrome]

A Ford dealer rep recommended I "decarbonize my throtte body" at the 30,000km service. Told him no thanks.

[onemanempire]

Some, no wait.. many moons ago my ex had a mint 1994 300zx non turb.
We were going for a roadie to see the Dish in Parkes.
She suggested getting a service at a Nissan dealer before going. I said, sure.
I get a phone call on the day of the service from her asking if $325 for front brake pads was ok..
Hmmm, Hell no, it's not ok. I said I'll call you back in 5.

Rang old mate at Sprint Auto Parts and asked what's my price?
He says $75. Hmm, rang her back and asked to speak the service advisor, on her phone.
He said, um, er, ah, yes, we quoted her for the wrong pads, they will cost you $45 incl. fitting...
Like WTAF.
Yes she was a hottie, yes she had plenty of lukka, and a nice rack.
That's not the point.
I just don't get what's in it for the guy quoting for the pads. It's not like he's getting a % of the sale, or even an end of month bonus.

Plenty of dodgey bros out there, especially if the customer is female".
Just plain wrong, and I hate them for treating people that don't know anything about cars this way.

/rant off.

[swamp]

hi
Its more of personal thing .
Some mechanics cannot explain
Some customers don`t understand
Yes even auto sparks have no idea

But yes like all trades and people generally there are assholes amongst us

Things that have ripped customers
aircon receiver drier replace------------------ nope
wheel alignment not adjusted as required ------nope
wishbone bushes stress lines must be faulty -----nope
valve cover leaks must hsve started after roadworthy---nope was evident 40000km ago
worn ball joint must have started after R/worthy---------------nope,, doesnot wear out in a week
holes in muffler must have started since road worthy ----nope 50k old
radiator core rotting must have rotted out since roadworthy---nope been rotting for 3-4 years missing alot of fins

Jobs not done properly yes even more
air conditioning is a huge repeated poorly done job

Very frustrating
engine management "" classic "" no faults on the scan tool all is good DOH
auto elecs think there the only one who understands auto air ha ha ha ha LOL LOL

Auto elecs who cannot read elec diagrams !!

[Work Horse]

I had the 30 000Klm fixed price service on my D-max a few months back.

It's done less than 25 000 but is 2 years old.

Fixed price was $410.

Got a call from the dealer to ask permission to proceed with a few non-service items.

Windscreen wiper supply and replace, $240.

Front tyres supply and replace plus front-end alignment, $650.

I politely declined the wipers; Auto barn supplied and fitted for free, $68.

I questioned the service team how was it possible to scrub out tyres on a new vehicle with under 25 000Klms?
My Ute is 2X4 and has never been off the pristine sealed roads around Melbourne SE suburbs.

After phone calls and emails to the dealer, IUA (Isuzu Ute Australia), replaced my front tyres and realigned my front end under warranty.

Seems I am not the only D-max/Mux owner experiencing rapid front tyre wear on the 7th generation Isuzu, lots of stories on line.

The service team first suggested my tyre wear was within specification. I showed them all the complaints on line. I showed them the response from IUA, who said they were aware of the problem and would fix any problems.

I did get new tyres and a front end alignment at no cost to me except my time.

The dealer blamed the tyre problem on under inflation

[FTE217]

Seriously, swamp and workhorse posts says it all.
There isn't one Industry that is clean that I know of - anyone enlighten me ?

[.:4:.]

When i was working as an electrician, it wasn't uncommon when talking with mates in the trade to hear they were told to squeeze as much out of customers as possible. A mate of mine was a domestic and if the job was replace a light fitting or powerpoint for say an elderly pensioner, he was told to put on the speil that the wiring was unsafe (when it was fine) and that the job could not be signed off untill a full rewire of the house. So full on scam.
I worked comercial, and my boss was smart enough to know creating repeat business will reap greater rewards then fleecing customers. Often for repairs clients would get 3 to 5 quotes. When I'd come in to do a competing quote, not so much foolishly, but they'd tell me what the others had said. Fairly often there would be a list of needless replacements. Same token often enough, others would miss things and quote under and not provide the outcome. So they get the job but don't do what a quoted job is for. As in you pay for the desired outcome. From a company standpoint if you want to keep any shred of credibility you honor the quote even if the job makes a loss. Yes sometimes that happens but you keep that to a minimum, unforseen circumstances.
It used to suck coming in to sort out unforfilled quotes done by others for 2 reasons. 1st is the customer is happy that you are there, but unhappy that they have to pay again for rectification and 2nd is having to work out what has or has not been done by others.
I was never told to over inflate anything, so i did not. As i said my boss was pretty smart as with a new client the first one or 2 times they will get multiple quotes, but after that if you do it once and do it right, they just call direct if they need work done. So repeat business is where its at to keep a good reputation and run a successful business.

And back to mechanics, yes i got the owner of one place off my side when i questioned his 'the scanner says maf sensor fault' by asking if maybe the maf sensor is doing its job. I declined him ordering a new maf sensor. Next day looked at it with my own 2 eyes, yep, maf was fine, split boost hose. The mechanic wasn't overly happy that a dumb sparky told him how to do his job, but we did kiss and make up. (Last part i made up)

[Work Horse]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Seriously, swamp and workhorse posts says it all.
There isn't one Industry that is clean that I know of - anyone enlighten me ?

Landscape gardeners mate, we are as honest as the day is long!

[Fordman1]

Back in the day I had an ‘81 Escort, and it developed a terrible steering shudder whilst driving.

I took it to “Pedders” and the “shifty rocket scientist” said “it’s bad,we need to replace the front steering rack etc”. The quote was horrendous.

On my way home I stopped at a shell servo for fuel, and I talked to the mechanic about his thoughts.

He put the car up on the lift, tightened a couple of bolts and fixed it.

I asked him “how much”, and he said “no worries mate, on the house”.

I will NEVER EVER go to that other franchise again.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

And back to mechanics, yes i got the owner of one place off my side when i questioned his 'the scanner says maf sensor fault' by asking if maybe the maf sensor is doing its job. I declined him ordering a new maf sensor. Next day looked at it with my own 2 eyes, yep, maf was fine, split boost hose. The mechanic wasn't overly happy that a dumb sparky told him how to do his job, but we did kiss and make up. (Last part i made up)

This is so common & usually it's the mechanic not diagnosing the problem correctly.

The problem usually involves oxygen sensors. For example, the code says something like "mixture rich bank 2", so the mechanic straight away blames the oxy sensor & the owner is needlessly out of pocket.

What they don't think of is. why is bank 2 rich? Did the oxy sensor cause the issue ? Probably not !! The oxy sensor is telling what is wrong & yet you are "shooting the messenger".

I probably sell more EFI sensors of any type than anyone else in Sydney (or maybe Australia) & most/many mechanics just don't diagnose correctly. Many treat their scanner as a 'money making machine', where they just do what the scanner says & often the owner goes along with it, depending how good the 'spin' is.

So you've got 3 types of mechanics. Those who don't know what they're doing, those who do not what they're doing & treat the customer as a 'cash cow' & finally those who know what they're doing & treat the customer (& their car) with some respect. Sadly the last lot are in the minority

Dr Terry

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

This is so common & usually it's the mechanic not diagnosing the problem correctly.

The problem usually involves oxygen sensors. For example, the code says something like "mixture rich bank 2", so the mechanic straight away blames the oxy sensor & the owner is needlessly out of pocket.

What they don't think of is. why is bank 2 rich? Did the oxy sensor cause the issue ? Probably not !! The oxy sensor is telling what is wrong & yet you are "shooting the messenger".

I probably sell more EFI sensors of any type than anyone else in Sydney (or maybe Australia) & most/many mechanics just don't diagnose correctly. Many treat their scanner as a 'money making machine', where they just do what the scanner says & often the owner goes along with it, depending how good the 'spin' is.

So you've got 3 types of mechanics. Those who don't know what they're doing, those who do not what they're doing & treat the customer as a 'cash cow' & finally those who know what they're doing & treat the customer (& their car) with some respect. Sadly the last lot are in the minority

Dr Terry

Well, next round with that mechanic, after we made good from the scanner tells all situation. So work car, not my money not my problem, but i was nice to my employer as to not waste his money needlessly, i called the mechanic and then sent him a photo of the split intercooler. So he took that well, ordered a new one and i dropped it off the next morning. Apparently back in 2017 intercoolers for rangers were an off the shelf item so car was back in 6 hours.
Im no mechanic, but if a sensor reads out of normal range, maybe its doing its job. Isnt that what they are there for? Or is obd2 the new religion for mechanics?

[swamp]

hi
I must be the minority .
Dont even mention bearing drag and many mechanics don`t even measure it .
Diff pinion drag Ok by feel if u do every day but 99% don`t
pinion drag varies alot between brands
4WD swivel hubs All brands ask your mechanic whats the spec 5-6 kg max on a pull gauge from steering arm

Ever wonder why your diff gears are noisy ,,generally lazy gear setup
Lazy so called wheel aligner techs LOL

Rechecked a Daihatsu Rocky AFTER purchase 2x A4 pages faults [from memory around 100,000km ]. eg calipers totally uneven pad wear .Calipers needed overhaul.. Discs worn out etc etc etc

Unfortunately for mechanics even the spare parts suppliers people have variable prices.
Industry mantra is ""how u can screw everyone the fastest and by how much "

I eventually was telling the bosses the car/machine would be ready when its fixed properly not B4.
It seemed to work

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Im no mechanic, but if a sensor reads out of normal range, maybe its doing its job. Isnt that what they are there for? Or is obd2 the new religion for mechanics?

This is my point precisely. They are reading the OBD2 wrongly. If the sensor is faulty that is one thing & the scanner (a good one) will usually say just that.

On the other hand, if the reading is out of range how is that the sensor's fault if it is measuring the situation correctly ?

As I said they often just "shoot the messenger" & spend the customer's money on replacing something that is not faulty.

The correct approach, is when a code shows up a suspect reading, is to get out a multimeter & measure what the sensor is seeing. This will show what the real fault is. But how many mechanics can use a multimeter properly ?

Dr Terry

[swamp]

hi
Finally people are catching on
Some mechanics are also still learning

I started my engine management on E.L.B era . Have a guess .............
Very very frustrating because most mechanics struggled to read books . ELB was a mechanical/electronics systems that decided what spark advance the engine needed .
U actually had to diagnose each input to ecu ,,,very simple system and no scan tools any where .

Then every thing modernised LED diagnosis lights .. felt like space shuttle tech LOL

Then came scan tools different for every car make model [how stupid are car designers ]

Scan tools very often diagnose symptoms only
EG
PROBLEM slow crank
CODE FOR Crank angle sensor SYMPTOM Doh .................
battery electronic test also faulty

RESULTS
CAS not faulty
battery load test OK ,,,lasted another 3.5 yrs WOW

1st issue ---- Starters draw 50-80 amps more than later Ford unit . High current sucked to much outta battery and caused slow crank
2nd issue ---- fuel safety relief valve --releasing pressure randomly
NO CODE
CRANK LIKE RAN OUTTA FUEL
Amazingly if it was checked by independent stand alone Ford pressure gauge the issue would be diagnosed

Ford might have the big tool but still don`t no how to use it . LOL

[BENT_8]

I enquired at a mechanic around the corner from work on supply, and fit aftermarket heat exchanger and service the trans in Wifes SZ 4.0L.
Specifically said no oil/air front mount, direct replacement.
$1800

Went to my regular mechanic 10 minute walk away, $600.
Gave me back the old one to cut open and check for internal wear.

Needed new impellar on my Waverunner, Yamaha $2k, independant, $1k.

[swamp]

hi
Lately been doing sons BT50
Spares prices are crazy stupid now that most of my accounts are at retailers who service the trade . Once upon a time maaaanny years ago I use to buy from Wholesalers . As time goes on they have forced outta business by the the big companies .

Do u wonder why Ozzy has a narrow selection of parts and lucky to be stocking upto 10yr old only . Big predatory businesses are to blame . Now we just get screwed by every company possible . EVER WONDER WHY USA COMPANIES BUY OUT OZZY COMPANIES .
THE STUPID OZZY CONSUMMER JUST TAKES IT UP THE REAR ALL DAY EVERY DAY . GREAT PROFIT .
EG most companies prefer u to buy complete engines . Spares whats that
Diesel industry is the worst ,ozzy companies are thinking money tree ,, shake the bastard ........
cyl head fully dressed and all wear parts and consumables from USA,,,,, in ozzy same money received bare cylinder head WTF......

Universal /aftermarket air con parts are major scam also ,,,in bulk condensers and evaporators are around 50$. Middle man puts margin on product and the mechanic gets hardly any mark up by comparison .

Since covid the price of timing belt kits has rocketed up 300--400% yet price has not gone the same from the maker .

Coles and woolworths syndrome .[claim not scam`n yet look at there turn over for the year 10`s or 100`s millions ]

[Citroënbender]

The workshop here used to use a brake/clutch parts supplier who was really close, therefore handy. As time went on they began to outsource sleeving and rebuilds, and nearly every set of rotors or drums picked up for machining was “Sorry, past the wear limit”.

Once the shop relocated, another supplier was closer, and a place who weren’t so silly about machining brake parts was now 100m away. So the greedy specialists lost all the business.

[swamp]

h
Brake booster repairs/overhaul can vary between 175--600. 450 was commonly quoted
Included blast and 1x coat black paint out side only
damaged hard parts xtra

My brake place
225 brake booster over haul needed 1x part xtra included in price
blast and paint $ 120 epoxy prime in/out,,,,,2k black once assembled
machine up new output stainless pushrod 100$
445 tot inl. xtras

Prices vary alot

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by swamp

h
Brake booster repairs/overhaul can vary between 175--600. 450 was commonly quoted
Included blast and 1x coat black paint out side only
damaged hard parts xtra

My brake place
225 brake booster over haul needed 1x part xtra included in price
blast and paint $ 120 epoxy prime in/out,,,,,2k black once assembled
machine up new output stainless pushrod 100$
445 tot inl. xtras

Prices vary alot

Quality of workmanship varies a lot too.

Dr Terry

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

Quality of workmanship varies a lot too.

Dr Terry

You said workmanship. Now im triggered.

When i was a sparkie, the mob i worked for had a project manager who instilled deplorable practices into the lesser experienced tradesmen and apprenti. So on an office fitout, his thing was always intentionally make sure outlets and such in the reception were not level. His reasoning was so that when the defect inspection happened they'd note that and then not notice any other bodgey work in the rest of the install. Thats a ****ed attitude, but it does much more damage. People do not have bad habbits, they are taught bad habbits.
Whilst yes i have run sites before my preference was service work. But i was always the guy to sort defects from the project monkeys as i had a work car, and also would get called to their sites when the shit hit the fan. As in to get it done. Whenever that happened the boss would come on site and take me away for coffee or lunch to ask how things on that site have gone so askew. The pm would always try to tag along but the boss would tell him to get the **** back to work.
Any projects i ran i refused a pm, i ran them myself. So ordering gear, keeping track of orders, keeping subordinates occupied and doing actual work.
Not what the pm did. Every morning he would start by giving 1 bloke a job, then the next, then the next etc then the 1st comes back and is done so asks for another task, so 2 things happen, theyre 1 man down and also if the pm calls in sick (which he did often) the site stops because nobody knows where the job is at.
What i would do for efficiency is. On say the monday morning get the crew, ask them to grab a piece of cardboard and a pencil (hot tip, textas, permanent markers whatever, you mess the tips up on cardboard) and give people a list of jobs to write down on their cardboard to cross off when its done. I would do the same for myself. Would the job list be expected to be done in a day? No. But what it meant is A, i could aid the crew by doing the work too and B, if anyone called in sick you would know where they were at work wise. And also, near enough wasnt good enough on my sites. The extra 5 seconds to do it once do it right wasnt absorbed by the morning meeting and being a man down like how the pm ran sites so jobs ran under and none of the defects. Did i mention i hate project work. Service work rules.

[swamp]

Hi
DR Terry
Prices do very alot between good and bad mechanics . Thats where your statement is flawed . My experience s includes very very established brake shops . Some brake specialists have always had huge markups .
Prices have never been consistent between all brake shops
Price is not a reflection of quality .
Quality is when a shop does all form of brake overhaul air ,hydraulic including brake shoe relining of drum brakes etc etc
Very rare now days some shops had lathes and milling equipment .