39 replies to this topic

[minimanjay]

Model: Mayfair 998 standard
Year: 1988
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

So the garage who worked on my mini and fitted new CV joint wheel bearing, and drive flange, Phoned me up 24 hours after bringing it back to ask if I'd like them to come around and give me the wheel nut that they didn't fit. And when I firmly explain that I'm very very angry, because I'm pretty sure that they put 4 on for a reason, they try to tell me that it's okay because a saxo has 3 wheel bolts.



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem? Minilite style 12 inch alloys

So I remember the conversation a week ago where they told me I had to source the drive flange (No idea why but hey go with the flow). I also remember the mechanic telling me that he had problems with a wheel nut because they have stainless steel covers on and this one was damaged so his socket was stuck to the nut. and I distinctly rememeber saying, "well that's okay I have a selection of sockets"

Anyway they start telling me that they can't modify the nut by removing the cover, and I'll have to get a new one. I said "come and get the car, find a nut that fits and deliver it back as Mr Issigoniss intended. If you have to buy a new nut so be it"

Anyway it's back on my drive with what looks like the old nut without the stainless cover.

Which isn't a problem because some of the nuts have them and some don't and I'll take them all off and put them with the wheel brace, just in case.

So I have a technical question ? How stupid are some people ? And an attitude question ? Am I right to be really well and truely pissseed off ?

this is terrible id report them nealry as bad as a garage i know that fr ot to put the hub nut back on :0

[MRA]

It should not be 17mm ...... 11/16" is not 17mm, don't drop down to their level.

[minidaves]

It should not be 17mm ...... 11/16" is not 17mm, don't drop down to their level.

the aftermarket nuts are 17mm not 11/16's

[MRA]

Not all of them are only the cheaper versions from China..... ours are not metric, and a some of our competitors also use imperial bar sizes.

[icklemini]

I have yet to pay the original Bill. Shall I erm negotiate ?

that was good of them to let the car go without you having paid the bill

[icklemini]

Probably also a good idea, but then I have also managed to fit a great many wheels (both before & since) without the assistance of a torque wrench and no other wheels have ever fallen off!

Interesting point that if a garage doesnt torque up the nuts its a bad thing, yet a great deal of pros and enthusiasts dont...
( I do by the way! )

Edited by icklemini, 27 December 2010 - 02:15 AM.

[Jacko-lah]

I have yet to pay the original Bill. Shall I erm negotiate ?

that was good of them to let the car go without you having paid the bill

Yeah, well I've known the boss for 7 years since his step son became mates with my son (although the boss is no longer with his ex wife, who has moved south).

I'm what they call a valued customer, I live about 5 mins walk (it takes longer to drive), they've had regular work and I always pay the bill.

[icklemini]

If you have known them that long then am sure a normal adult conversation will sort it... though am not sure what it is you want out of talking to them?

Ok so they car IMO shouldnt have been released with a wheel nut missing, but there must have been a reason for them to get it back to you like that? - certainly isnt for the money if you pay your bills later.

They obviously thought it was safe to let you go off driving it...and honest enough to point out the problem with the nut. if they let you go without paying, then I guess they were pretty sure you'd be able to drive it back to pay the bill!

The later wheel nuts (with the covers on them) are crap!

[jeebz]

apart from the end up in a ditch and die factor. The old bill do not take kindly too it. I have a mate who came back from a road rally, police stopped him and he got 3 points. he did have 2 flat and 1 burst tyre, and he was being a prick to them. But the wheel nut missing seemed more important than all three useless tyres. It was on traffic cops as well which made it better for us and worse for him.

[ductape009]

Wow people turn a simple topic into a long drawn out argument. I had one car I drove for months daily with three lug bolts. I didn't know it at the time, myself and the car are still around today. If its a quick trip I wouldn't worry to much, just replace it as soon as you can.