comeback?

[alexisblades]

i’m just wondering if anyone can help – i shelled out over a hundred pounds on a pair of rear wheel bearings, then another 75 quid for the local ‘vw specialist’ to press them in for me. in doing so he managed to damage the dust seal on the inside, is this going to let the grease leak out when it gets warm and knacker it? i’m not in work at the moment but they needed doing, and i can’t afford to get them done again. my question is this; if they are going to fail what sort of comeback do i have against him? can i make him replace the bearing or am i stuck with it.. any help appreciated.

[ld50]

I think the lack of answers probably says it all unfortunately

If it’s an actual garage then they probably have some sort of guarantee surely? Personally if that happened to me I’d ask for the job to be done properly as they were supposed to. I think it might be one of those things where you have to insist on it there and then though, and not accept the car back as is.

I think it’s a bit like finding out you’ve got the wrong change after you’ve left the shop

Have you got a pic of the damaged bit so it might be possible to make a better assessment of whether it’s likely to be a problem?

Actually it might be worth talking to the citizen’s advice bureau – I know it’s extra fannying around but think they’re supposed to help with stuff like that, or would at least be able to tell you one way or the other.

[Chris S]

Sorry but I missed this post before, and yes a pic would help to see how bad the damage is?

[alexisblades]

no pics i’m afraid, i was in a rush to get the car back on the road so i had to reassemble it. you’re quite right, i should have had a good look before i paid up. the damaged bit is hidden behind the cv joint and i’ve whacked a load of grease round it to catch any dust so hopefully not too bad. he also managed to damage the driveshaft splines pressing the old bearing out so i had to take the file to the hub. bearings feel ok to drive though. bad feedback for david lees of alcester, warks.

[ld50]

ok to be honest it’ll probably be ok – at least for the time being. Having seen the general quality of handiwork from even “reputable” garages I’m surprised most cars run as long as they do. I think we just notice stuff normal bods wouldn’t.

It’s still pretty slack though for a garage to mess up fitting some bearings… If you’re near northampton can I recommend Bahnstorm.net?

[alexisblades]

i’m about an hour away near redditch. having said that if they’re good what’s an hour each way, compared with hours of peace of mind.

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