Car repair dispute

dustyspringboard

In the past, people on this site have been so helpful to me that I thought I'd ask for some advice once again

I took my car into a garage yesterday as a really loud propeller like noise was coming from the back of the car on my drive home from work on Friday. The mechanic told me I needed a new exhaust system and priced it up at just under £550. I picked up the car this morning, with new exhaust fitted. However, the loud propeller noise is still there so I went back to the garage. The mechanic from yesterday wasn't working today. Another one jacked up my car and discovered that the wheel bearing has gone and this is causing the noise.

I can't help but feel I've just paid £550 for a new exhaust system my car didn't need. I'm not sure if this carries any weight but my car went through its MOT just over a week ago and there was no mention of a problem with the exhaust then.

Does anybody have any ideas as to where I stand?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer

Crabman

What car is it?

£550 for an exhaust sounds excessive, unless the catalytic converter was also alleged to have been replaced. A decent mechanic would have done a road test to confirm the "propeller" noise was no longer present.

In terms of a possibly failed wheel bearing, this video may be useful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdRpnK5MGQ8

Hoof_Hearted

I think you have every right to be annoyed. Obviously, there is some benefit from having a new exhaust, but you certainly shouldn't be expected to pay the whole amount plus you should get your wheel bearing done for free.

forgotmyname

How can you mix up an echaust noise to a wheel bearing. Exaust issues will happen whilst parked. Wheel bearing wont.

Did it need an exhaust soon anyway? If it did then find the cheapest quote you can for an exhaust and offer them that much. Or let them come back with a price and see if its less than that.

coinxoperated

I would be absolutely fuming! Some garages really are w*****s!

Have you tried using a garage recommended by a friend / family member you trust? It helps to have some sort of connection before you drive in!

red_eye

dustyspringboard wrote: »

In the past, people on this site have been so helpful to me that I thought I'd ask for some advice once again

I took my car into a garage yesterday as a really loud propeller like noise was coming from the back of the car on my drive home from work on Friday. The mechanic told me I needed a new exhaust system and priced it up at just under £550. I picked up the car this morning, with new exhaust fitted. However, the loud propeller noise is still there so I went back to the garage. The mechanic from yesterday wasn't working today. Another one jacked up my car and discovered that the wheel bearing has gone and this is causing the noise.

I can't help but feel I've just paid £550 for a new exhaust system my car didn't need. I'm not sure if this carries any weight but my car went through its MOT just over a week ago and there was no mention of a problem with the exhaust then.

Does anybody have any ideas as to where I stand?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer

might not help your immediate situation. but always, while the cars is up on the ramp get the mechanic to show you what needs replacing and why it needs replacing. If they refuse then take your car and go somewhere else

http://ata.theimi.org.uk/ata-technician-search