Who is responsible for the problem (Story)

Inspection after tearing it down had been determined to be a worn bushing. Worn bushing allowed the torque converter to have too much play. Too much play allowed a seal to leak when the engine was running.

Just a little FYI for those who have mentioned this: A general visual inspection was made with the customer when he dropped off the car and transmission. The transmission came with the torque converter installed, so it was not removed. Even IF it had been removed, there was no way to know that the bushing was bad. These bushings are internal to the pump, and not readily visible unless you removed the seal itself. Basically, even if I inspected the entire unit, and replaced the front seal anyway, the bad bushing would have caused the new seal to leak.

This was a unique situation that I have never ran into before in the 20+ years I have been doing this. Hell, more than likely I will never run into it again. But this HAS given me information that will be used to protect my business in the future with any other salvage transmissions that we install.

 

That says it all. Salvage yard is responsible for this leak if the installing shop didn't remove the torque convertor.

 

well..i know a Guy that works for a salvage yard.....customer calls and ask if they have a trans for a tacoma(for example).they only have one trans,but they tell the customer they have 2..one has 30k miles for 750, and the other one has 125k miles for 450.00.so he tells them he wants the one with 30k and they take a marker and write 30k in yellow writing on the trans..thats why i never trust a salvage yard.

 

While this does not surprise me, there are federal laws and guidelines that dictate salvaged parts, and correct documentation. That is some serious fed time if that place ever gets caught.

 

After reading all post, I still think it's "Randy's" fault for replacing his signature with this baby one. Don't think I didn't notice.

 

I know a lot of people liked the old sig, but it was garnering too much attention from the haters who kept "reporting" me.

 

Wha? Everybody likes boobies!

 

Pete's..it had a warranty issued by them. Randy merely installed the trans and unless it can be proved that the leak is due to him doing the job wrong, he's not liable.

Edit: I voted first and then read the thread.

Big thumbs up man..you stepped up for this customer when you didn't have to do anything in my eyes. What little I know of trans remove and replace, the seals are not an automatic when you pull the trans since it comes out as a unit, not in pieces. Your hands were clean. What you did here is to ensure a happy customer.

Were it me bringing the trans to you, I would ask you "before install, is there anything you would recommend be done to this unit?" and if you recommended anything I would give you the go-ahead. Much easier to protect my investment all ways possible, and if you have it out that's less time for you to do work on the unit. I hasten to add I find no responsibility on your part whatsoever if you do not say "I suggest you do this and that while I have it out", at least in part because you are not providing the trans to the customer.

I also think you've gained a valuable lesson as far as going forward when you mentioned hanging a sign with the specifics of your new policy outlined..which is another good reason to give the current customer the rub here since this will help you going forward.

Just curious: Is this customer a new, fairly new, longtime?

 

This is the second vehicle the customer has brought to me. His brother has brought me 3.

 

Just makes good sense especially with a relationship already in place..and that will pay dividends as I would bet you'll get new customers on referral.

Man, I wish I lived near you so you could work on my rides!