I cannot recommend Y/D Automotive after my experience with their mobile repair service…read more
I found them through Google and contacted them for an alternator replacement. I was quoted about $585 for parts and labor. A technician came to my location around 3:00 PM, removed my alternator, then discovered he had brought the wrong replacement part. After checking multiple auto-parts stores, I was told the correct alternator would be about $950 plus $175 installation. Since that was substantially more than the original quote, I declined and asked only that my original alternator be reinstalled and the vehicle returned to the condition it was in before the work began.
That did not happen.
The technician spent several more hours trying to reinstall the alternator and drive belt but could not get the belt back on. I even spent about an hour trying to assist. Around 10:00 PM I told him to stop for the night. I paid him $60 for his time and was told another technician could come finish putting the vehicle back together. My vehicle was left undrivable overnight.
The next morning Y/D initially told me someone would call back within 10-15 minutes to arrange another technician. That call did not come. I was later told all technicians were booked and someone could come the following morning around 10:00 AM. I could not leave my vehicle undrivable for another full day, so I hired an independent automotive technician to inspect it.
He found that the drive-belt tensioner operating point/bolt had been stripped and could no longer be properly operated. I received an estimate of $449.65 to replace the tensioner assembly alone, separate from the alternator repair I already needed.
When the independent technician returned to address the belt issue, he discovered that my original alternator had also been reinstalled incorrectly. It was not properly seated, and one mounting bolt was misaligned and not positioned through its proper mounting point. I am including a photo of that condition.
According to the independent technician, the misaligned alternator prevented the belt from fitting correctly around the accessory system. He advised that the stripped tensioner was consistent with excessive force being applied while attempting to install the belt with the alternator improperly positioned. He also advised that the tensioner otherwise appeared to function normally apart from the stripped operating point. Once he properly seated and aligned the alternator, the belt could be installed correctly.
The technician has agreed to document his findings in writing and, if necessary, testify regarding what he personally observed and his professional opinion.
What disappoints me just as much as the mechanical work is how this was handled afterward.
I repeatedly gave Y/D Automotive opportunities to resolve this directly. Despite already paying additional inspection and corrective-service costs, I initially asked only for the $449.65 cost of replacing the damaged tensioner. I specifically told them I was not asking them to pay for the alternator I already needed, my additional diagnostic expenses, corrective work, lost business income, transportation issues, or my time.
I later made an even broader attempt to resolve this. After researching the business, I came to believe the technician who worked on my vehicle may also be the person operating Y/D Automotive. Because I am a small business owner myself and understand that people can get in over their heads, I offered to waive the $449.65 request entirely in exchange for an honest account of what happened, acknowledgment of the damage, and a sincere apology.
That message was sent through multiple business communication channels, and some showed as read. I received no response resolving the matter.
At this point I am beginning the formal process of pursuing recovery of my documented damages and expenses. I would have preferred to resolve this directly, but I am not willing to absorb damage to my vehicle and the resulting costs.
Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how someone handles them afterward.
Based on the work performed on my vehicle and the way this situation has been handled, I absolutely cannot recommend Y/D Automotive.
I am including supporting photographs and documentation where the platform allows so readers can evaluate the circumstances for themselves.
