Need your advice

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33
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0
Location
Glendale, CA
#1
I'm pissed. [scream]

So the bimmer's been making some creaking noise in the front whenever I turn the steering wheel to the right. Sometimes I can notice it while driving. (Think it's from the passenger side wheel.) Fine, so I took it over to the nearest Goodyear center to get it inspected and to get it aligned. (I take some serious hits on the crappy rodes here 'cause the car rides lowered on 18"'s.)

Well they can't get it on ramp to do the test and the idiot hits something from underneath the front part of the car, under the engine side while trying to get the car on. Of course that got my attention. (Just like the time I took the car to get the A/C compressor replaced and the mechanic hit something with his drill, smoke flew out everywhere, the car started leaking underneath, and I crapped my pants accordingly.) He said it was nothing. Whatever.

So in the end he couldn't look under, and in the process got my keys, door, seat, steering wheel, and gearnob oily and dirty. And the steering? Well now it seems loose and the creaking is even worse. The shaking feels worse too. (I always thought a little shaking was normal due to the tire size.) I really get upset when things just pile up on each other, especially when I love my car so. What does all of this mean?

It's just like taking your car to get cleaned, or for something to get repaired, and sometimes all you get pack is a dirty car, and your seat readjusted (I have no seat memory), and things don't feel right.

Where in the LA/Glendale/Burbank area do you guys suggest I take the car for what I need? For any other mechanical need? I have a few places but they're all closed today and tomorrow, but I'm looking for more reputable options.

Well that is my rant. I kindly ask for advice; any input is appreciated. Now that I have asked for some, I'd like to give some of mine:

1. Valet parking? Make sure you let 'em know you're keeping your keys. Give them an extra tip.
2. Car wash? (I don't do this anymore.) If you're like me, you ask them not to touch your damn seats. Just drive it like it is. Same goes for any mechanic.
3. Don't trust anybody you're going to pay to do something for you, unless you have a good, time-tested reason to do so.
4. We're not rich, snobby bastards. We just love our cars. So make sure you get your money's worth and your baby well taken car of. I spent the whole day with my car the last time it was in the shop.

[kick] [boxface] [chair] ........... [burnout]
 
Messages
1,247
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0
Location
NY
#2
I know exactly what you mean. Almost every place I went to, they treated me like a rich snob or something that doesn't know anything about cars and like I just spit in their coffee or something. One place that was nice to me was, Tire Empire/Wheel Concepts on Hylan Blvd right here in Staten Island. I just went to get one tires balanced and the guy treated me very good, was calling me by my name, tryed to start a conversation to let the time pass, when I was looking for the little weight he kindly asked if I am and then told me that he put it right in the middle of the wheel so it still balances right and is not as visible. Of course he did break one of the bolts/struts (which I think was not really his fault but who knows) whatever you want to call them and acted like nothing happened, after I asked him what happened he was all nice and even got the damn thing out of the hub, it was completely in. During the whole thing he was asking me if I have time and all, then when he was all done, I was ready to pay extra instead he said sorry and said that the balance is on the house, gave him a good tip and left.
 
Messages
148
Likes
0
Location
central PA
#3
Damn straight we do just love cars. I suggest getting a repair manual and begin fixing the car yourself! 90% of mechanics are infedels. Atleast thats my opinion. I got so fed up with mechanics and their stupidity, I started a little BMW repair business on the side. It's by enthusiast and for enthusiasts. I really wish i was in your area and I could help you out too. As for your problem. It could be a multitude of things. The only way to know for sure is to jack the car up and check it out.
 


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