Who's Responsible?

Hey guys. I took my 09 4 liter to a shop last Friday to replace my left rear wheel bearing. The shop that I took it to is the same shop that diagnosed the problem. I left it overnight and called in the morning hoping that they'd start on it immediately since that was the plan. They didn't start until 11 AM. I called later in the afternoon and they told me that they had to cut the wheel bearing off since it was so frozen in there. I should have asked them if they had a rear axle-bearing puller before I took it there but I forgot. When they cut the bearing out, they damaged the backing plate and had to order a new one. This was on a Friday and the part didn't arrive until today so I was without a car this whole weekend. They are the ones that damaged the backing plate but they want me to pay for the part which is $150. Who do you guys think should pay for it? They used an Axle grinder to take the bearing ring off instead of a dremel. If they had used a dremel they wouldn't have damaged anything. Thanks!

 

hell no don’t pay for it. It was their mess up. Make them pay for it.

 

It will be a whole lot easier for you to pay for the backing plate yourself, and then never go back to that shop.

 

Thanks that's what I'm planning on. I wanted to get some feedback first. If they refuse to give the Truck back i'll come back with small claims court papers.

 

For me, it's really the principal. Small claims court should do the trick since I don't want a lien on my vehicle.

 

How much does it cost to file a claim on your county?
How much is your time worth to you?

 

Split the cost- used back plate and all............

 

It’s one thing if they found it damaged when they were doing the wheel bearing. But if they damaged it removing the wheel bearing then it’s 100% their fault and legally are responsible. I doubt you’re gonna want to fight them in small claims court. So with that said if they won’t cover it then I’d pay it and never do business there again.

 

I think that's what will end up happening. He did have to drive to pick the part up so that's fair enough to me.

 

Small claims is a relatively easy process. It's an administrative judge and usually once you show someone papers to appear they'll back down. Especially here since as you mentioned they're at fault.

 

You could also call the police and report it stolen if they refuse to give it back. Some shops dont want the hassel of going through with the lien. It doesn't magically appear, it is actually a bit of work. Having the police show up may change their mind. Most police will just say it's your car so they need to give it back and the shop can sue you in court to get the money.

Plus, for that money, I'm sure your not interested in fighting it. Well neither is the shop, they'll make that back on the next sucker.

 

Usually mentioning small claims court, threatening the Better Business Bureau sort of makes them come to their senses

 

Dang, you guys are ruff.

I’d take one for the community.
I’d pay the $150 and tell other people about my experience.
I wouldn’t slander them, I tell it just like it is.

Of course, I’d let the shop know my intentions too.
There’s ways of persuasion with out going the legal route.

 

I agree. This is only if they remain stubborn like they have.

 

Everyone is so quick to say "I'm gonna sue you" lolololol. So lame.

Shit happens man. I'm sure they didn't anticipate having to cut off a frozen wheel bearing. Would you have felt better if they had stopped when they found the wheel bearing was seized and told you to come pick it up and take it elsewhere to finish the job, since that's not what they quoted?

You can always DIY and avoid any of these potential "issues". But I get it, then you're 100% responsible, and that's just too much responsibility.

 

Negotiate the price down. If they won't lower it, then pay it.

Then never do business with them and leave them a negative review. If a negative review sticks on google/yelp, that will hurt them more than a silly small claims court case for $150.

 

so is this truck rusted really bad?

 

Do you think you could have removed it without causing similar or worse damage? Seized parts are a tough call. They maybe should have told you up front when they realized it was seized in place that additional parts or damage were a possibility.

I think 150 is still low enough to not fight over but do politely let them know you wish you could have planned for extra time and cost beforehand.

They likely already lost some $$ on labor due to added time anyway.

 

Fair point!

 

The shop’s insurance should cover their fuck up. Find out who their carrier is and file the claim with them directly. First, read the fine print in anything you signed to see if that will help or hurt your claim.