St. Louis, Auto Evaluators (pick another)

[terrencekeenan]

They diagnosed my problem right: emergency brake cable. I told them not to fix it because I felt the price was way too high. (I eventually did it myself, a very amateur mechanic, and it wasn't too hard)

I pick the car up, pay my $70 evaluation fee, and 2 miles down the road hear a load clunk in the right rear wheel well. I hobble it home, try to take the wheel off. I take it off, but the lug nuts were on so tight, that it cracked one lug wrench on its socket, and mildly bent another before I got all five off.
Once I take the wheel off, I find I have a broken rotor. I posted the pic https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... w=previous.
I don't blame Auto Evaluators exactly, but it's hard to not notice the coincidence.

I went back to the shop, and spoke to the woman head mechanic. I was as polite as I could be, and was just looking to get my evaluation fee refunded. She said that it was my fault, that the diagnosis of a bad e-brake cable made the car unsafe to drive and contributed to breaking a rotor. ??????! I should have prepared my speech better, but I was so pissed, I just walked out.

This is only a hunch, that because I didn't accept the repair, they torqued the lugs on super-tight, and may have done something else which led to the split rotor.

But their bad customer service is not a hunch. I know from working my many various jobs, you never blame the customer, even if sometimes it is their fault. (though I can't say that a bad e-brake cable would have broken a rotor).

There are plenty of other good shops out there that don't charge so much and won't talk down to you. Check out Gravois Auto electric for one. They will work with you on price, and explain all the intricate details of the repair.

[MadeInJapan]

I think your hunch is correct.
I would take pictures of the rotor and prepare a written statement and ask to talk to their regional rep. If that doesn't do it, go to Volvo Company of North America...and send your letter with a, "my attorney will be in touch." Statement- believe me, you'll get a response. Lately, I've heard other stories of where when VCNA was contacted, at least apologies and refunds were given. Oh, and they owe you a lug wrench...