I brought my Forester in because I suspected a wheel bearing was going bad. I also heard another noise, which a second shop later confirmed was related to the same wheel bearing issue.
At Simply Subaru, instead of diagnosing the issue I came in for, they immediately tried to upsell me on a list of "problems" such as dirty antifreeze that supposedly meant I needed a new radiator, A/C leaks, and several dirty filters, including the cabin air filter I had replaced just a month and a half earlier.
Only after all that did they claim my brakes were unsafe. They told me I had just 1 millimeter of pad in the front and 2 millimeters in the rear, and said they could not road test or investigate the wheel bearing until those were addressed.
I declined their services, but they still tried to charge me even though they never diagnosed the actual issue I brought the car in for. I had to push back multiple times before they finally agreed to drop the charge.
Once home, I measured the brake pads myself using calipers. I found 6.25 millimeters in the front and 3.29 millimeters in the rear, just beginning to hit the squeal indicator. I have photos to prove it.
A few days later, I took the car to another local shop. They confirmed the issue was in fact a bad wheel bearing and replaced it. They also measured the brakes and found 5.73 millimeters in the front and 3.01 millimeters in the rear. They recommended replacing the rear pads and rotors soon, since the rotors were below spec, but said the front pads were at about 40% left and rotors, while also below spec to be turned, were not urgent and could wait tell the pads were changed to be replaced.
They reviewed Simply Subaru's report and said most of it was exaggerated or unnecessary, clearly intended to increase the bill. They inspected the filters and noted that the cabin air filter looked almost new and did not need replacement. The engine air filter was a little dirty, but not in urgent need of service.
I am sure others who do not know much about cars have been taken advantage of by this shop. All I can say is, do not take your vehicle here. read more
