Several weeks ago I had my vehicle in to After Hours due to suspension noises.
I received a call and was given the prognosis and estimate for the work to be done. All new struts/coil over/ shocks for all four corners, tie rod ends. They noted that I also needed rotors/brakes and some bushings replaced. (They informed me that the bushings on the rear torsion bar happen to be unavailable/obsolete). I declined their offer to replace the brakes and rotors, since I had been the one that replaced the rotors and brakes last, and the brakes were still on warranty ... I wanted to inspect them personally. Overall I did think the repair was expensive, $2,000.00, but I went ahead and authorized the work to be done.
It is important to note that I declined the brakes and rotors work, otherwise, I would have never pulled the front tires off.
When I inspected the brakes and rotors, I saw that when the coil and shocks were replaced, the bottom of the shock tube was ground so that It would fit into the control arm ... also, it was clear by the marks on the tube, that a good size pair of channel locks were used to help seat the tube as the Tube had been deeply marred. I did go back to After Hours to ask about this, and Chuck, (who is one of the Managers), kindly explained that this was part of the standard process/practice to grind the shock tubes to fit. That it is consistently done upon installation of these shocks, that they even keep an inventory of Blue Paint, so that the bare metal left after grinding the tube can be repainted ... He apologized that they did not repaint the bare metal and that it had been an oversight on their part. (I treated the shock tubes with a rust inhibitor and repainted them myself). Also, the nuts in the control arm require cotter keys that were missing. Chuck did not address that ... I have to assume that they must be unimportant.
I saw that there was no grease in the newly installed tie rod ends, after the work was done. Chuck explained that these tie rod ends do come with "some" grease already in them .... I pressed on the rubber boot and they were completely flat/empty ... I greased them as well, as I had the car up and they were accessible.
Regarding the recommendation for the replacement of the rotors and brakes. I could not see any visible reason for the replacement. Rotors were not worn down, and plenty of brake pad left. When I showed Chuck pictures of the rotors and brakes, He explained that something must have been felt in the test ride by the mechanic. I cannot feel any pulsation or shudder when I drive the vehicle, however, the mechanic is a professional and I certainly do not claim to be.
Also, to note, that I do have what sounds to be a clearance issue with the right tire area, that occurs as I am making a left turn into a parking space. In all fairness, Chuck said to bring it in and they would look at it ... I did and was told it was my right front brake and rotor ????? I did ended up taking my car to another shop. They diagnosed the issue as soon as it was on the lift ... it was the lower ball joint was bad and would rub on the inside of the tire when turning.
Given that this job was incomplete, and, in my estimation, questionable installation, I requested some reimbursement. Chuck said that he would give me $20.00 for the price of paint used where they ground the shock tubes. Needless to say, I walked away with nothing, however, if another repair shop had to place the vehicle on a lift, grease the front end, replace the missing cotter keys and paint the shock tubes, they would have charged me more than $20.00. Again, another lesson learned and an expensive one at that.
I saw and heard good/glowing reviews by others that have used After Hours .... I was hoping to find a Good and Convenient Repair Shop to take care of both my vehicles. Instead it was a bad and expensive experience, where they insulted my intelligence and failed to properly fix my vehicle. Good luck to those who continue to trust this shop ... read more
