Is this a common dealer tech practice?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,145
From: Las Vegas
Nobody knows why the nut was marked...but plenty of speculation here.
No, it is not common practice for techs to do shoddy work, but when a guy makes a mistake it will be assumed on the internet forums that all dealership mechs are hacks...
Are there some mechanics who are hacks?
Certainly, just like there are hacks in every trade and profession out there...
No, it is not common practice for techs to do shoddy work, but when a guy makes a mistake it will be assumed on the internet forums that all dealership mechs are hacks...
Are there some mechanics who are hacks?
Certainly, just like there are hacks in every trade and profession out there...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
One thing I have noticed with young folks is you cant lay into their *** when they screw up, there is no accountability. I had one tell me that "you need to tell me nicely when and if I make a mistake" i said "In the mid/late 80s when I started working, I worked with Vietnam vet types who chewed my azz when I screwed up.it taught me to never do that again... basically these guys are hacks because there is no accountability till they screwup royally. they get paid to do lousy work and nobody says anything. As a customer you at least have to bitch to the service manager
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
At least you can fix your problem and you found it in time.
Just before winter I had both tires replaced on my Heritage. The service tech managed to grind off the black powder coat on the edge of each rim down to bare steel with the tire machine. Sure I could give the shop hell, but to what end? This is why we cant have nice things.
Just before winter I had both tires replaced on my Heritage. The service tech managed to grind off the black powder coat on the edge of each rim down to bare steel with the tire machine. Sure I could give the shop hell, but to what end? This is why we cant have nice things.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,145
From: Las Vegas
One thing I have noticed with young folks is you cant lay into their *** when they screw up, there is no accountability. I had one tell me that "you need to tell me nicely when and if I make a mistake" i said "In the mid/late 80s when I started working, I worked with Vietnam vet types who chewed my azz when I screwed up.it taught me to never do that again... basically these guys are hacks because there is no accountability till they screwup royally. they get paid to do lousy work and nobody says anything. As a customer you at least have to bitch to the service manager
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
You should call the shop and complain to the Service Manager. If you don't it's going to happen to the next guy. Better yet, call them out in person.
I make it a point to get to know the Techs, the Service Writers and the Manager at my dealership. I've even bought a few of them lunch a couple of times when the service exceeded my expectations (which are pretty high). Also the GM. It helps.
I can remember being a mechanic in a local gas station/garage when going to college. We were at least aware of every customer. We knew most of them pretty well. This was the the way the owner of the garage wanted it because it made us do the right thing by each customer. When we screwed up, we had to answer to him AND the customer. One of the other kids in the shop put the wrong oil filter on a car and the owner called up to complain. The owner fired him and sent me out to make it right. He made sure that the customer knew it wasn't me, but I still took a ration of crap from him as I replaced the filter, topped off the oil and cleaned up his garage. He also gave me the cash to refund the cost to the customer. How about that for service.
I make it a point to get to know the Techs, the Service Writers and the Manager at my dealership. I've even bought a few of them lunch a couple of times when the service exceeded my expectations (which are pretty high). Also the GM. It helps.
I can remember being a mechanic in a local gas station/garage when going to college. We were at least aware of every customer. We knew most of them pretty well. This was the the way the owner of the garage wanted it because it made us do the right thing by each customer. When we screwed up, we had to answer to him AND the customer. One of the other kids in the shop put the wrong oil filter on a car and the owner called up to complain. The owner fired him and sent me out to make it right. He made sure that the customer knew it wasn't me, but I still took a ration of crap from him as I replaced the filter, topped off the oil and cleaned up his garage. He also gave me the cash to refund the cost to the customer. How about that for service.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,057
Likes: 5,316
If you get to know them, there are usually 1 or 2 top techs, but thye stay busy and you may have to wait, if they don't know you or place is backed up. No they don't do tires, batteries, or wash bikes.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 650
Likes: 355
From: connecticut
I had a young guy with an attendance problem, then one day he called to say he'd be late because his cat was sick and was on the way to the vet. Said he'd be in by noon. Never showed, never called. Didn't show the next day, and didn't call. When he showed the day after that, I told him to pack up his tools and get out of my shop. He cried and called me an ogre. Said I had no feelings, and that his cat needed him. I laughed my *** off at that one.
I ran automotive dealership service operations for years, and at one time was a pro tech myself. I've seen great techs, and I've seen terrible techs. I've seen tech mistakes that were covered up only to land on the customer later on. When I change the tires on my bikes, the axles are torqued by my own hand with my own tools. No guessing, no assumptions, and no shortcuts.
I understand that not every one of us have the abilities I have. It's in those cases that you build a relationship with a great shop with a great tech, and insist that this great tech handle all of your mechanical needs. Anything else is a gamble.
I understand that not every one of us have the abilities I have. It's in those cases that you build a relationship with a great shop with a great tech, and insist that this great tech handle all of your mechanical needs. Anything else is a gamble.
It's just like our favorite restaurant, when we walk in they seat us where our favorite waitress is working and the bartender makes my drink when he sees me. Knowledge, courtesy. and tips eliminate poor service.
Last edited by TSheff; Nov 17, 2021 at 05:16 PM.
