Can trouble: What should I do?
Posted by
Mop (200 lbs) (aka rburriel)
Aug 20 '13, 09:02
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My alternator gave out on my birthday. Joy. Got towed to the local garage which has done some work for me in the past. They confirmed it was the alternator and that the serpentine belt was brittle and needed replacing. I don't doubt it. So they gave me a new alternator and replaced the belt. But then the car was squealing and they told me I'd need new ball bearings for the belt to stop the squealing. I thought I could put up with the noise so I declined. It was going to be another $300. I didn't hear the noise until I got there to pick up the car. If I had, I would have approved the repair on the spot.
I drove off knowing I'd have to take it in sooner rather than later, but I was pissed that a repair had just caused more troubles so I shopped around for another repair shop and yesterday I brought it into shop #2, which I was warned would likely be pricey, but I wanted another opinion. After lubing up the belt, they were unable to get it to stop squealing. But then they replaced the belt with a superior Napa part and the problem was solved. Total cost to me (parts and labor): $150 (rather than $300 for replacing the ball bearings).
Reviewing the original invoice, the crappy belt cost me only $30. The new Napa belt cost me $70. So that's why shop #2 is pricey. They use superior parts.
Do I go to shop #1 to complain? IMO, the best I get is $30 back for the cost of the crappy belt. I have to take time off work and confront people in order to do this. Is it worth my time?
Mop
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