Questions and Answers

Jeep Cherokee Fixed And Still Broken Q. Dear Vincent, 1994 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 liter, manual transmission. A few months ago, I had a full tune-up and was charged $350.00. So I brought it back to the same service station and they said they had to replace the U-joints and back shocks. I was charged $640.00.

I drove it out of the station last weekend and a mile down road, it was still making very loud noises when I made a left turn. The very same noise it was making when I brought it in. So I turned around and brought it back and was quite angry, since I just paid $640.00 and it was in almost the same condition as I left it.

Question #1: They are responsible to get it fixed right without additional charges? Especially after I paid them for a service not done properly, correct?

Question #2: Was I overcharged? Or is that a standard price, considering it was done right the first time, which it was not.

If you could answer this ASAP, that would be great as I am leaving for the station early this afternoon (Friday 7/25).

Thanks you for your time,
Christian

A. #1. I don't know the extent of your discussions with this shop, but if you paid all that money to fix a problem, and the problem was still there, in my opinion the shop owes you some consideration. Either reimburse you for the futile repairs or actually repairing the problem at no, or greatly reduced price.

I would leave the car there and tell either the General Manager or the Shop Owner to call you when it's fixed right. When he says it's fixed, take it for a ride with the General Manager or the Shop Owner to insure it is repaired to your satisfaction. After it's repaired to your satisfaction, you can then discuss what is fair compensation for both of you.

#2. I use Chrysler part numbers and prices since they are standard everywhere. Two Heavy Duty shocks from Chrysler are about $40.00 each. The labor to replace both shocks is one hour. So assuming $75.00 an hour labor rate, the total is $180.00.

You didn't mention specifically which U-joints were replaced, so for me to make an estimate is difficult. So I figured out which two were the most expensive as to present a worst case scenario.

The U-joints are front and rear, $51.00 and $57.00 respectively. Labor is 2 hours, again assuming $75.00 an hour labor rate, $150.00. Totaling $258.00. Both jobs combined, in my shop, totals $438.00 plus disposal fees and tax.

I'm sorry I did not get to it in time, but I answer questions in the order I receive them and I'm running about five days behind.