Shop recommendation for bearings?
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From: Sacramento
Car Info: 2018 STI Limited
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From: Participating in some Anarchy!
Car Info: 2005 LGT wagon
I went to them for some recommendations before (machine shop to take care of my heads before I do a head gasket, and also for my LCA bushings on my Legacy GT), but they were less than willing to help since they weren't doing the work. They just said they have a shop that does it and wouldn't tell me who it was so I could just take it there. Instead I had to drop it off, wait for their delivery truck to pick it up the shop to do the work, then deliver it the next day, so it was at least a 2-3 day turnaround.
We do all LCA bushings in house.
I avoid recommending shops as I have been bitten in the *** too many times in the past; a recommended shop screws something up & I look bad.
The heads I understood (that's a bit bigger of a job), but the LCA bushings I got done at a different machine shop with a 1 day turnaround.
That's why I wanted to ask around, since I'm sure someone has done it before and maybe someone local just has a press and the right tools to do it in their garage. Not like I'm asking for it to be done for free.
As for FW, they could have SAID that. Sadly, I just haven't had a great experience with FW any time I've come in, and that is crappy because they are the closest shop, and everyone else seems to rave about them. Similarly, I have the same issue with Rob (or most employees) of Sac Black Rifle. They think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread. Being humble, knowledgeable, and courteous goes a long way, versus making me seem like I'm just taking up time in your day.
That's why I wanted to ask around, since I'm sure someone has done it before and maybe someone local just has a press and the right tools to do it in their garage. Not like I'm asking for it to be done for free.
As for FW, they could have SAID that. Sadly, I just haven't had a great experience with FW any time I've come in, and that is crappy because they are the closest shop, and everyone else seems to rave about them. Similarly, I have the same issue with Rob (or most employees) of Sac Black Rifle. They think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread. Being humble, knowledgeable, and courteous goes a long way, versus making me seem like I'm just taking up time in your day.
Feel free to either PM or call me.
Call any shop, wasting their time with non business-related questions, and you'll get the cold shoulder.
Why?
Shops are business to make money and non productive question/answer sessions with a tire kicker are a waste of time.
You have expressed your dis-satisfaction with my business.
I would like to resolve any and all complaints that customers may have with either me, my business, or my employees.
Again, how many times have you done business with us?
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From: Participating in some Anarchy!
Car Info: 2005 LGT wagon
I get some people with have "issues" with my brutal honesty.
I agree that I am an *******, but I will never sugar coat anything, will not sell you something you don't need, or bang your girlfriend.
Promise.
I agree that I am an *******, but I will never sugar coat anything, will not sell you something you don't need, or bang your girlfriend.
Promise.
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From: Rocklin, Ca
Car Info: 2002 Impreza 2.5 RS Midnight Black Pearl
Paul. I'd been to your shop a few times, both the old one and the new one, but each time I have not been there to get work done, sorry. While I understand you're running a business, the first few contacts you make can either get you a lifetime customer and referrals versus the exact opposite.
In regards to my LCA bushings, I just needed the old ones pressed out, and new ones pressed it. It was right around the you opened your new shop, so maybe that was it? Either way, I went elsewhere because of how long it would take to be done. Yours was at least a 1-2 day turn around, and I needed the car back on the road ASAP. While I understand not recommending shops... if it's a shop YOU used, obviously YOU trust they won't mess anything up.
Another time I stopped in asking you about things to look for in a used Subaru purchase. About the same time someone came in with an STI with a possibly bad wheel bearing. You told me to wait (fine, no big deal) and took that car around the block and when you got back told them to bring it in to get the work done. Fast forward a year or so later (at your new shop) and I come in asking about rear diff noise. You tell me if it's making noise it's going bad, and that was that.
I'm the kinda guy who works on his own car, and in all honesty, I can pretty much tear down anything in the car and put it back, but when I happen to have a question it's nice to know I could swing it by a tech who might be able to diagnose it in 2-3 minutes because they've seen the problem before. Much like my wheel bearing. It took me a few months to realize the light squeak coming from my front drivers wheel is actually my wheel bearing going bad, and not some brake related issue, or wheel rubbing. I mean the car only has 50k miles on it.
Obviously your business model has done very well, so keep doing what you do, because you have definitely become quite successful. Not everyone's personalities mesh and I respect that. Again, I haven't spent a dime at your shop, so you, and anyone else reading this can take what I have said with a grain of salt.
In regards to my LCA bushings, I just needed the old ones pressed out, and new ones pressed it. It was right around the you opened your new shop, so maybe that was it? Either way, I went elsewhere because of how long it would take to be done. Yours was at least a 1-2 day turn around, and I needed the car back on the road ASAP. While I understand not recommending shops... if it's a shop YOU used, obviously YOU trust they won't mess anything up.
Another time I stopped in asking you about things to look for in a used Subaru purchase. About the same time someone came in with an STI with a possibly bad wheel bearing. You told me to wait (fine, no big deal) and took that car around the block and when you got back told them to bring it in to get the work done. Fast forward a year or so later (at your new shop) and I come in asking about rear diff noise. You tell me if it's making noise it's going bad, and that was that.
I'm the kinda guy who works on his own car, and in all honesty, I can pretty much tear down anything in the car and put it back, but when I happen to have a question it's nice to know I could swing it by a tech who might be able to diagnose it in 2-3 minutes because they've seen the problem before. Much like my wheel bearing. It took me a few months to realize the light squeak coming from my front drivers wheel is actually my wheel bearing going bad, and not some brake related issue, or wheel rubbing. I mean the car only has 50k miles on it.
Obviously your business model has done very well, so keep doing what you do, because you have definitely become quite successful. Not everyone's personalities mesh and I respect that. Again, I haven't spent a dime at your shop, so you, and anyone else reading this can take what I have said with a grain of salt.
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DDMan, if you are looking for a great shop that is extremely "customer first" based, check out My Auto Surgeon; its right in Rocklin next to you.
I know the owner (Justin) of the shop extremely well. My suggestion isn’t just coming as a friend of his but a customer. I started out as a normal customer about three years ago and through his superior knowledge, advice, customer service, and quality of work, we have become good friends. He is the only mechanic I trust whole heartedly to give me a 100% truthful diagnosis, legit advice, and to do the right thing when no one is watching. If you don’t believe me, check out his reviews on Yelp and Facebook.
He works on all my cars, including my autocross STI (corner balancing, suspension set ups, tire advice, etc). Justin knows his stuff and isn’t about just the “big ticket” jobs; if he has the ability to do it, he usually does. Give him a ring, tell him Will Wade sent you and I have no doubt he will take care of you.
I know the owner (Justin) of the shop extremely well. My suggestion isn’t just coming as a friend of his but a customer. I started out as a normal customer about three years ago and through his superior knowledge, advice, customer service, and quality of work, we have become good friends. He is the only mechanic I trust whole heartedly to give me a 100% truthful diagnosis, legit advice, and to do the right thing when no one is watching. If you don’t believe me, check out his reviews on Yelp and Facebook.
He works on all my cars, including my autocross STI (corner balancing, suspension set ups, tire advice, etc). Justin knows his stuff and isn’t about just the “big ticket” jobs; if he has the ability to do it, he usually does. Give him a ring, tell him Will Wade sent you and I have no doubt he will take care of you.
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