Wheel alignment issue after dealer suspension repair

[weiero]

Ok a few weeks ago I had the mechatronic unit replaced. They also replaced strut top mounts. When i got it back it felt unusual to drive like it was crabing. Just had a wheel alignment done and holy crap.... it was almost 10mm out.

[Umai Naa!!]

And?

The only thing I can put it down to, is that they've not put the front crossmember back in the original spot if they removed it to repair the transmission.

[weiero]

well they did something.... was perfect before they had it.

[bazzle]

And the Dealers Response is ??

Bazzle

[mikinoz]

Take the invoice back to the dealer and kindly ask for a reimbursement.

Please refrain from telling us 'dealer horror stories' when this is quite normal after the stated repair, and given them a chance to explain their position to you.

[weiero]

There responce was as per VGA instruction's it does not require a wheel alignment after the work we performed.

3rd complaint lodged with VGA this morning.

[gerhard]

well they did something.... was perfect before they had it.

No it wasn't, or you wouldn't have had it in the dealership.

And damn that dealer. Fancy replacing a mechatronic unit and strut top mounts, and having the temerity to follow their internal instructions that state no wheel alignment is required. How dare they !

Any work that requires suspension removal requires wheel alignment chack after re-assembly.

[mini2]

There responce was as per VGA instruction's it does not require a wheel alignment after the work we performed.

3rd complaint lodged with VGA this morning.

Got given the same response. While they agree the alignment is out after they replaced my strut top bearing but they refused to pay for the alignment as VWA (or Allianz in my case) will not reimburse them.

[Umai Naa!!]

Why should they?

Think about it, in their eyes why would the wheel alignment be incorrect if worn components were replaced with new ones?

Basically:

1) You've hit something at some point, which has altered your alignment.

or 2) You've had the wheel alignment checked and adjusted at some point since new.

At the end of the day, everything is retail until proven otherwise.

[Guest0608]

A bit off the subject but you should hear the amount of customers that we get trying to get a puncture repair under Warranty!!! need I explain anymore........................VW................. ..............................................we didn't put that nail in your street, no the manufacture will not pay!.....

[bazzle]

Maybe just pay the $60 for the alignment and take your business elsewhere if you are not happy?


Bazzle

[Jmac]

Why should they?

Think about it, in their eyes why would the wheel alignment be incorrect if worn components were replaced with new ones?

Basically:

1) You've hit something at some point, which has altered your alignment.

or 2) You've had the wheel alignment checked and adjusted at some point since new.

At the end of the day, everything is retail until proven otherwise.

Wait a minute here, a quality tradesman would have taken the vehicle for a roadtest pre job without doubt, same goes when you service a vehicle get a snap shot of the bloody thing so as if there is anything not quite right it gets flagged before any work has commenced, thats how i was trained, correct me if im wrong or has it really got so bad???? No question if it was wrong before i touch i will flag it. Ok back to the wheel alignment, if it was roadtested after the job and sounds like it wasnt then if it didnt feel right the tech would feel it wasnt right, if it was it was roadtested then it could be fixed then even if it means questioning the customer which takes me back to the beginning, if it were wrong before the job then question it then, i know you will flame me but seen it so many times and i was brought up in dealer land for MANY years. Lets say part one gets missed, if its roadtested after the job and is driving crap why would you give it back to the customer and not mention a thing????? If it gets fixed even for an extra cost itll look better than an unhappy customer having to take it back. Sorry but i had an instance where i had to take a car to a tyre place as i was a bit behind, tried to help the guy but telling him what i had done, and he never roadtested it after wards what a shambles, and the wheel was out, crap crap crap. If i done that at Audi Dub or Porsche i would have heard about it quick style. Roadtest the bloody thing before and after , how long does it take.
Cheers
Jmac

[Umai Naa!!]

You and I have had these discussions before.

In a perfect world, you're 100% correct. However, the common mentality in dealerships these days is "Fk diagnosis and being thorough, we're in a hurry/over-booked/under budget for the day/week/month. Just order <insert part here>!".

[Jmac]

You and I have had these discussions before.

In a perfect world, you're 100% correct. However, the common mentality in dealerships these days is "Fk diagnosis and being thorough, we're in a hurry/over-booked/under budget for the day/week/month. Just order <insert part here>!".

You have nailed how it is in the dealerships now in full view,and im not downing you in any way, as i say i was brought up in a VW/Audi Porsche establishment but we were brought up totally different. There was a course for Uk VW dealerships called The Customer Comes First. ALL the employees of EVERY VW/Audi Dealership HAD to attend. Every Year a major dealership won a MEGA prize and i mean they were MEGA, our Dealership which was 821 for the UK players won a few times and we got flown all over the place for big weekends away, looks like that doesnt happen anymore which is pretty sad really.Ill stick to what i know anyway and i hope some aspiring up and coming Techs with pride will read and get something from my post. At the end of the day i think its how you feel about how you deliver that product that should count. Regardless of the "Dealership Mentality" its you working on the vehicle man , dont let the "mentality influence how you deliver, if they dont like it have a large chat about it, and if all else fails got to another dealership . I have good friends high up in Vw Aus and im sure they would have their view.
Cheers
Jmac

[mikinoz]

Is there not a duty of care to the owner? What happens if the car pulls severely to the right and then sends it into an oncoming vehicle?

I have to say, I am all for doing it right the first time, specially if it is relating to safety.