Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

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Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by Allan Campbell on 30/8/2024, 22:43:52

The Near Side Front suspension on my Sorento has given problems since late last year as there was a noise from that area.

No driving problems with it and I knew what the fault was likely to be. Cause the amount of pot holes, sunken grates etc. and the approach road to our house is Bad. Pity I cannot charge the council!

I put off doing anything about it until service in March as doing few few miles. I also knew that it was a minor problem “a noise” as I can tell any problems with tyres or suspensionh. Been a mechanic since 1960 just stopped when you started to require specialist tools and I no longer had a garage with a pit.

At the service I got the suspension strut changed. Regretfully that didn’t solve the problem but sound slightly reduced.

I them had the drop link between the Strut and anti roll bar changed. No difference.

I then put the car into the Kia main dealer for a sun roof service and for the NSF strut and suspension arms etc. checked and a price for the job if required.

I got an e mail with the price £330 Parts plus £660 Labour all plus Vat. So £1,200 total. Parts price fair enough for Kia parts but the labour at £120 per hour plus Vat. No way.

Some did a bit more in depth research and then spoke to the boss at my local garage who had done the service and changed the Strut.

We discussed the problem and agreed what the problem was likely to be. A process of elimination and I booked the car on for the work to be done but before I took it in I did further research and found a detailed diagram of the front suspension.

On taking the car in for the work I told the chap that I wanted the strut bump stop and the two “ insulating “ pads to be changed have discussed the problem with him.

When I went to collect the car the receptionist told my that problem solved, and yes it’s fixed.

The problem had been a big niggle for months. I knew what the problem was a bush but locating it as there are about 10 bushes to that side of the suspension.

As I had explained the problem to the Kia dealer I would have thought that they would know what was wrong seeing that the had done 100,000 miles. They are supposed to be “experts”.

The thing that I did wrong was not having the 3 upper “rubber bits” changed at same time as Strut. Lesson learned.

These days I do very little to the car other than buy parts for service etc.

There are plenty people who have been fleeced by garages even up to main dealers so I can ask questions before work done always ask for a detailed estimate and if OK car goes in at a late a later date. Many ladies have been taken to the cleaners for work and parts and actually nowt has been touched.

Allan C.

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by John Shearer on 31/8/2024, 12:22:24, in reply to "Car problem solved after much research and work."

Yes Allan, we all have service/repair stories and one has to be aware of garage costs, more so main dealers, I had several major repairs carried out on my last Mercedes which was too much for me to handle and the costs were astronomical to have done, the big one was a failure of the rear subframe (Corrsion) which I'm happy to say was done under mercedes long term warranty, that could have cost me in excess of £3,000 to replace, then they were going to charge me £900 for a Alternator replacement which I did myself for £150. So shop around and get estimates if you need work done. Note: this is where "Colliery Lad" has his main advantage in changing cars every 3 years.

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by Sheila on 31/8/2024, 13:12:45, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

John, our late neighbours always changed their cars before the first MOT. He always has a new VW Passat and his wife a new VW Polo. he said the garage always gave them a good price for their cars as they were buying new cars from the same dealer, so it was not really a great expense. I don’t know anything about the deal, but he was a “ canny” Scot.

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by John Shearer on 31/8/2024, 13:45:48, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

Hi Shiela, I knew of a few lads that renewed every 3 years but didn't know the details or costs involved in doing so. I'm sure if the cost is achievable to you, then It has its advantages. I knew a few canny Scotts that spent a small fortune on drink and all thought it was worth it

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by Sheila on 31/8/2024, 15:07:47, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

Jon, I like it😀

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by Mac Hardy on 31/8/2024, 13:44:47, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

My car failed MOT and was told it would be £350 + Parts, spoke to my next door neighbour who is a retired MOT examiner, he had a look and said some of the faults it had failed on it should not, took it to R & M Auto's in South Shields, still failed as expected but on fewer points and cost £189 including parts, a big difference.

Here is what to do if you are Local

Posted by Norman Dunn on 31/8/2024, 14:06:55, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

If you want a good deal and not get robbed go to my son Simon's Garage in Hebburn (Shield Motor Co) or his Pelaw MOT garage over the railway line from Aldi & Lidl in Pelaw.
Simon has often heard these kind of kind of stories from customers.
I've always stressed that anyone who needs work done whether on their car, or getting jobs done at home, get recommendations.

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by Colliery Lad on 31/8/2024, 14:56:32, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

Alan,never had any of those problems and never will.
As John pointed out having a new car has many advantages

Re: Car problem new or second hand it’s up to you

Posted by Allan Campbell on 31/8/2024, 17:41:10, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

I vary rarely ever had enough money to buy a new car other than twice. First time I had won money on the Pools remember them.

I thought that I had won a Fiver. Ann phoned me at work and said your checks come. I was working in Pilgrim St. 1967. Maybe October?
I think it was a Friday and arrived home had tea and said we can go out and have a meal up in Newcastle!

Ann then showed me the check it was £1,650 Or thereabouts. A year and a half’s salary.

I spent a little on repairs to my Morris Minor and then found that it was rotting away.

So in the January of 1968 bought a new Vauxhall Viva and got discount through Dad and Reyrolle’s, only vague memories of that.

Bought my first Vauxhall Cavalier Sri a C reg new in Knaresborough so that would be 1985 or 86.

All my other cars bought through pals that worked in the car trade letting the first owners take the money hit.

The last Vectra was ex Vauxhall company car with 4,500 miles then my current Sorento had 14,450 miles.

I probably could have bought new cars but why waste money when I wanted new dive gear and would I want to put soaking wet diving gear into my car, I don’t think so.

Anyway because of diving and caravans buying used enabled me to buy more top end cars.

Of course I have always been a sort of make do and mend especially with cars and at one time had my own car business for about 9 months.

Allan C.

Re: Car problem solved after much research and work.

Posted by Malcolm on 31/8/2024, 21:29:45, in reply to "Re: Car problem solved after much research and work."

But it's all a balance, isn't?

In one case (Colliery Lad) replaces his car every 3 years. So no MOT, or repair bills? but a big loss in depreciation?

Other case: 2nd hand: maybe repair bills & MOT costs...

So which is the greater, or less....

Each to there own, I guess?

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