Double checking a shops work? (1 Viewer)

[IPOR]

I have been reading this form nearly everyday since buying my 92 Land Cruiser a few months ago. But because of an insane work schedule and nearly no mechanical ability, I have only daydreamed about starting my build.

First on my list is having the Steering Knuckles rebuilt. I received the complete kit, including wheel bearings from Cruiser Outfitters earlier this week.

I have had my personal car serviced at the same Midas for several years. They have always been very honest and do a great job. The owner of Midas assures me the Knuckle rebuild will be no problem, and quoted about $300 in labor. I explained it involved going all the way down to the axle to replace the leaking seal. Again, he assured me it is no problem. My concern is twofold. First, I am not sure he completely appreciates how long it will take. Second, I am concerned about the attention to detail required for the job.

Any advice? Are there things I can easily inspect on my own after the job? Finally, anything else I should have them do while its there?

Thanks in advance!

We perform knuckle rebuilds regularly here at our shop. We typically get $760.00 which includes parts and labor.

 

[BILT4ME]

So, last week I told the Midas shop that I was going to have the knuckle rebuild done at another shop. Eventually they convinced me to give them a chance. I told the owner I still think he is drastically underestimating how much time the job would take. I printed out the complete knuckle rebuild write-up from MUD, and asked him to look it over before starting.

I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up the truck. He put it up on the lift so I could have a good look. First he showed me the box with all the old parts they had replaced. Then he handed me a flashlight so I could see how clean everything was. He admitted the cleaning of everything took longer than expected. He then told me the mechanic followed the write-up, and is confident the job was done correctly.

Here is a list of what they did.
1) Complete knuckle rebuild using the kit I provided. Including bearings.
2) Replaced wheel bearings
3) Replaced rotors/pads
4) Installed OME Heavy Load Lift Kit 2"-2.5". Shocks, Springs, Steering Damper and Castor Correction kit.
5) Alignment
6) Installed and balanced new tires

Total labor for everything was $1,000.

Your truck looks nice!

Something to check is on your tires...These tires are very specific about which side is "out" on your tires. It appears that your tires may be mounted incorrectly on your rims. The heavy, wide lug should be to the OUTSIDE of the rim. Look on the side of the tire for markings that say "this side out" or something like that. I saw another post for another member that had the same problem with the same tires. Make sure your guys get them installed correctly!

Good Luck!

 

[UglyWagon]

Your truck looks nice!

Something to check is on your tires...These tires are very specific about which side is "out" on your tires. It appears that your tires may be mounted incorrectly on your rims. The heavy, wide lug should be to the OUTSIDE of the rim. Look on the side of the tire for markings that say "this side out" or something like that. I saw another post for another member that had the same problem with the same tires. Make sure your guys get them installed correctly!

Good Luck!

Wow, great eye! I called the shop and they said to bring it in and they will take care of it right away.
It make perfect sense. The large lugs need to be on the outside to fling out the mud. Thank you

 

[Aggiesdm]

That's a heck of a deal. Congrats

 

[NLXTACY]

@UglyWagon you need to realize that when folks here say not to go to Midas or worse, Jiffy Lube, there are a lot of painful experiences that go along with that. Going back 20 or so years I used to have Jiffy Lubes and Midases as my customers. I used to face palm myself everytime I would listen to what they would do to customers vehicles or all the shortcuts they took. "Gimme the cheapest s*** you have" was every phone call. There are many here that have had personal and negative dealings with the chains. Pep Boys and others included. The problem is there are far more that report issues and "I should have listened" then there are those, like you, who said you had a positive experience. But, the reality is one positive doesn't change how people feel about these places. What you can do to help that shop is to put in a positive Yelp review and let folks know they aren't like all of the other shops you hear about. Folks here, won't be swayed. Does suck you had to spend the extra money to know that you made the right decision. But, now you know.

 

[UglyWagon]

@UglyWagon you need to realize that when folks here say not to go to Midas or worse, Jiffy Lube, there are a lot of painful experiences that go along with that. Going back 20 or so years I used to have Jiffy Lubes and Midases as my customers. I used to face palm myself everytime I would listen to what they would do to customers vehicles or all the shortcuts they took. "Gimme the cheapest **** you have" was every phone call. There are many here that have had personal and negative dealings with the chains. Pep Boys and others included. The problem is there are far more that report issues and "I should have listened" then there are those, like you, who said you had a positive experience. But, the reality is one positive doesn't change how people feel about these places. What you can do to help that shop is to put in a positive Yelp review and let folks know they aren't like all of the other shops you hear about. Folks here, won't be swayed. Does suck you had to spend the extra money to know that you made the right decision. But, now you know.

I agree with you 100%. I'm not trying to sway or get MUD members to have their service done at Midas or any other chain shop. You are right - I'll admit I do feel better knowing it was done right. It was a waste of money, but I don't regret spending it to find out. I was just letting people know that it is possible.

I was luck. But I plan to use Cruiser Specialist from now on. Just to be safe.

 

[BILT4ME]

After you posted the deal you got and described what they did, it appeared to be a pretty fair deal. You said you went through the FSM with them and they followed it per your instructions. When it was done, you were very happy.

Unless something was grinding, leaking, or squealing, why would you then go to another shop to complete your work? I'm sorry that the overall view of the shop you chose was negative based on other's experiences. (I personally will not go to Midas, but I do all my own work and have done so for 35 years.) If you felt like you got a good deal, go with it.

I agree with NLXTACY, as MOST of those shops are negative experiences. You got a good one. Let them (and everyone else) know. I'm sorry you spent double for your peace of mind because of the naysayers here. Now you are more experienced. Maybe that shop DOES know what they are doing and would warrant going to them again, or are you going to only stay with the 'Cruiser guy' because that's what everyone says to do? My 80 was serviced (during the PO time) at the local Toyota dealership. When I dug into the front axle, there were MANY things that were done that should NEVER have been done by a dealership. So, it's not always WHO it is, it's how they do it.

Good Luck!

That being said, did they get your tire install issue taken care of? Was it truly a problem?

 

[SmokingRocks]

Just because they did quality work this time doesnt mean that in 5 years they will. Problem with these chains is that most mechanics would rather work for and get paid more by dealerships or private shops. These chains don't have good reputations of holding on to good mechanics, which is why the attitude is "throw the cheapest (insert part or fluid) at it".

I'd still wonder if they actually used a moly based grease.

 

[BILT4ME]

That's why I do my OWN work......

It's cheaper to buy the tools and do it myself so I know EXACTLY how it was done. That being said, I have 35 years of experience which translates to: I've screwed up Sh*t for 20 years so now I know how NOT to do it!

 

[SmokingRocks]

I've wrenched on my cars and trucks for the past 5 years... maybe a bit more now. I've screwed up so many things I've lost count, but doing so has given me two valuable take aways; 1- I know how to do things right now (obvious) 2- I learned how to think about how to fix things or mcgyver them enough to work until I got a replacement part.

though often overlooked the second takeaway is important because if I ever get stranded on the side of the road or on a trail I feel fairly confident that I can jimmy rig something together to limp home.