Why are there no good mechanics anymore?

Discodog

My X trail needs a Vacuum pump chain tensioner replaced. Most of the garages I contacted simply don't want to know - one admitted that they are so full of services that they don't get involved with anything else. Another said that it was a difficult job & not worth the hassle.

It crazy to think of a car off the road for weeks or even scrapped for the sake of a €30 part & about 4 hours labour.

Are there any good mechanics left ?

biko

There are good mechs out there, you just need to keep ringing.
With the virus it's probably even more difficult than usual, I suppose.

Toyotafanboi

I'd say it's more about how you approach them.

I try to avoid like the plague customers who tell me what is wrong and how to sort it. Not saying this is you OP but they are generally difficult to please and also generally want it done for half nothing.

Avoid like the plague, unfortunately.

Discodog

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I'd say it's more about how you approach them.

I try to avoid like the plague customers who tell me what is wrong and how to sort it. Not saying this is you OP but they are generally difficult to please and also generally want it done for half nothing.

Avoid like the plague, unfortunately.

My problem was that most had no idea what the problem is & assumed it's the timing chain. A good mechanic will look at it but not until January as they are fully booked with services.

greasepalm

Are you Dublin based as i send a few jobs to lads who can do things that we cant.

PsychoPete

There is a good bit of work in it, if they are booked with servicing then not surprising they won't take on your job. Servicing is quick and a easy turn around versus a 5 hour job on an x trail, likely just don't want the hassle of doing it

Discodog

greasepalm wrote: »

Are you Dublin based as i send a few jobs to lads who can do things that we cant.

No Galway

Dirty Nails

Discodog wrote: »

My X trail needs a Vacuum pump chain tensioner replaced. Most of the garages I contacted simply don't want to know - one admitted that they are so full of services that they don't get involved with anything else. Another said that it was a difficult job & not worth the hassle.

It crazy to think of a car off the road for weeks or even scrapped for the sake of a €30 part & about 4 hours labour.

Are there any good mechanics left ?

Just curious about the €30 part. Is it a used pump? Word of caution - don't think a Primera one will work. Don't remember exactly,but there's some issues with the sprockets.

Discodog

Dirty Nails wrote: »

Just curious about the €30 part. Is it a used pump? Word of caution - don't think a Primera one will work. Don't remember exactly,but there's some issues with the sprockets.

You are right. This is a new tensioner with a good condition chain. I am pretty sure that the plastic has worn off the tensioner & the chain is running on metal.

I am going to get another car as a runaround & attempt the repair when the parts arrive. Having the second car takes the pressure off.

Bmw123d

Discodog wrote: »

You are right. This is a new tensioner with a good condition chain. I am pretty sure that the plastic has worn off the tensioner & the chain is running on metal.

I am going to get another car as a runaround & attempt the repair when the parts arrive. Having the second car takes the pressure off.

There are plenty of us out there. Ur just not looking in the right place but if any are like me my plan was stick to the one brand and know them inside out.
So in your case u just need to find a good Nissan mechanic

kirving

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I'd say it's more about how you approach them.

I try to avoid like the plague customers who tell me what is wrong and how to sort it. Not saying this is you OP but they are generally difficult to please and also generally want it done for half nothing.

Avoid like the plague, unfortunately.

When I go to a mechanic outside, it's often because I know exactly, or at least have a very good idea what I need done, but cannot do it myself because I don't have a garage or a lift.

I would try to give the best handover of the problem that I could to be as helpful as possible, and have still been outright ignored on occasion despite being correct.

I understand that the mechanic still needs to do their own assessment and charge for that time, but coming from a similar environment in work where I can be handed a broken machine, it's an absolute joy when the technician gives a reasonable sounding overview of the problem rather than "it's broken, fix it".

Stoolbend

Out of curiosity are you asking them to fit the parts or fix the problem?

Where I used to work we'd have no problem with someone saying change the timing chain. But if someone came in saying fix the problem by fitting these parts you'd know it'd just be hassle if it didn't solve the problem.

I had a fella come in to me one day with a print-out from Google to tell me what was wrong with his car and got pissy with me when I ignored it and fixed the problem in less time than it'd take to read the 5 pages he came in with. He had form for being a nuisance though.

jmreire

In the garage I worked in, I'd always discuss the problem with the customer, and as BMw123d said, if you are dealing with only the one brand, when they start to describe the symptoms, almost immediately you can pinpoint the problem. But definitely, it has changed from the time when a Garage would take on any job, regardless of make or model. One reason is that nowadays, cars are too specialised,,,,requiring main dealer level diagnostics, and specialised equipment and tool's, So they are now much more selective on what they will take on. And as it has also been pointed out, routine servicing is generally more straight forward and profitable for a Garage. But I'm pretty sure that some one on here will be if not able you, at least point you in the right direction.

Wailin

Main dealers don't have "mechanics" anymore. They have "technicians". Most don't actually have a clue and rely on diagnostic equipment to pinpoint a problem. If you have an issue you want sorted bring it to a specialist in that car brand and avoid the main dealers unless you've a relatively new car that you want to keep in warranty.

teediddlyeye

Wailin wrote: »

Main dealers don't have "mechanics" anymore. They have "technicians". Most don't actually have a clue and rely on diagnostic equipment to pinpoint a problem. If you have an issue you want sorted bring it to a specialist in that car brand and avoid the main dealers unless you've a relatively new car that you want to keep in warranty.

You'll be waiting a long time to find diagnostic equipment that pinpoints a problem.

Discodog

Stoolbend wrote: »

Out of curiosity are you asking them to fit the parts or fix the problem?

Where I used to work we'd have no problem with someone saying change the timing chain. But if someone came in saying fix the problem by fitting these parts you'd know it'd just be hassle if it didn't solve the problem.

I had a fella come in to me one day with a print-out from Google to tell me what was wrong with his car and got pissy with me when I ignored it and fixed the problem in less time than it'd take to read the 5 pages he came in with. He had form for being a nuisance though.

I wouldn't expect a garage to fit parts I supplied. I only ordered the parts because I am pretty sure that I will end up with the job.

Discodog

Kevin Irving wrote: »

When I go to a mechanic outside, it's often because I know exactly, or at least have a very good idea what I need done, but cannot do it myself because I don't have a garage or a lift.

I would try to give the best handover of the problem that I could to be as helpful as possible, and have still been outright ignored on occasion despite being correct.

I understand that the mechanic still needs to do their own assessment and charge for that time, but coming from a similar environment in work where I can be handed a broken machine, it's an absolute joy when the technician gives a reasonable sounding overview of the problem rather than "it's broken, fix it".

Especially when that customer has done their research & it's a known problem.

Discodog

teediddlyeye wrote: »

You'll be waiting a long time to find diagnostic equipment that pinpoints a problem.

I diagnosed mine with a long screwdriver & a pair of ears

Pasteur.

Discodog wrote: »

Especially when that customer has done their research & it's a known problem.

I work in a technical field

A lot of the information and conclusions people draw from online research etc is totally wrong

Discodog

Pasteur. wrote: »

I work in a technical field

A lot of the information and conclusions people draw from online research etc is totally wrong

Yes I am sure it is but this isn't technical. You apply a screwdriver/listening rod to the pump casing & you can hear the chain hitting metal.

jmreire

teediddlyeye wrote: »

You'll be waiting a long time to find diagnostic equipment that pinpoints a problem.

And you will be waiting even longer to fix the problem without diagnostics. Unless of course you want to spend a fortune using the "it might be this,so we will try it and see method " The days when there were relatively simple fixes like identifying a missing cylinder by pulling off a plug lead are long gone. The level of computerisation in modern vehicles is staggering.

Mechanics don’t like someone having diagnosed it themselves, even if they’re right, because open ended = free money.

Banana Republic 1

Discodog wrote: »

My X trail needs a Vacuum pump chain tensioner replaced. Most of the garages I contacted simply don't want to know - one admitted that they are so full of services that they don't get involved with anything else. Another said that it was a difficult job & not worth the hassle.

It crazy to think of a car off the road for weeks or even scrapped for the sake of a €30 part & about 4 hours labour.

Are there any good mechanics left ?

The problem is the pay is poor for the skills mechanics have.

Banana Republic 1

Discodog wrote: »

Yes I am sure it is but this isn't technical. You apply a screwdriver/listening rod to the pump casing & you can hear the chain hitting metal.

Do the job yourself so simple as that

Bazzy

OP i know of a very good garage in galway if you want to drop me a pm i'll send you there details

_Brian

People need to build a relationship with a garage via regular services etc.

Find a good garage and stick with it.

Then they will be there for all your work.


Just rocking up out of the blue telling them what’s wrong and expecting them to jump at the job is foolish.

Have been using the same mechanic and garage since I bought my first car 30 years ago. Never any bother getting work done and ever have to wait. My mum got broke down and I wasn’t around so I rang him, he closed the garage to go 30mimites and jump start her car.

Pasteur.

Discodog wrote: »

Yes I am sure it is but this isn't technical. You apply a screwdriver/listening rod to the pump casing & you can hear the chain hitting metal.

I can rephrase it

You've drawn a particular conclusion with limited training and knowledge

It may be right , it may be wrong

I've done it myself and had inspectors say it to me

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing

Discodog

Banana Republic 1 wrote: »

The problem is the pay is poor for the skills mechanics have.

Good mechanics are gold dust & so I am told, very rare. One local garage has offered me a job on more than one occasion.

Discodog

Pasteur. wrote: »

I can rephrase it

You've drawn a particular conclusion with limited training and knowledge

It may be right , it may be wrong

I've done it myself and had inspectors say it to me

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing

I have rebuilt engines in my driveway & I sought the knowledge of several people who have repaired this particular fault. I just don't fancy doing it in a drive during December. Plus to me 2006 is new in that there are other factors like computerisation.

Wailin

teediddlyeye wrote: »

You'll be waiting a long time to find diagnostic equipment that pinpoints a problem.

No, that's what diagnostic equipment is for, to "diagnose".

Toyotafanboi

Wailin wrote: »

No, that's what diagnostic equipment is for, to "diagnose".

To assist in diagnosis. It's not a substitute or replacement for a qualified mechanic. It's just a tool, albeit an electronic one, not a crystal ball.

We had a car in just this week, had already had a DPF replacement costing thousands come in to us with a check engine light on. All faults stored were relative to the DPF, the customer has already spend almost 3k on replacing the DPF. The previous workshop said the original DPF was end of life, "full" and needed to be replaced. Now the new DPF was "faulty" too. Time to throw in the towel after spending a feb bob of the customers money and take it to a main dealer.

The EGR cooler was leaking coolant into the exhaust. No EGR faults in the car. Replaced the EGR cooler, toppwd up the coolant and the car is driving A1.

That's just one example of hundreds.

Had another recently where another workshop booked in for to us supply and code two replacement keys for an intermittent non start. The car was turning over but only firing infrequently. They had two immobiliser faults stored, and had already replaced the transponder ring with a second hand one.

Coded the keys @ €220 each. Customer has already paid for the second hand transponder i dont know but i'd assume €100 or so. Keys code lovely, car still wont start. Left with us to diagnose. Few basic checks, checked the engine oil level, dipstick is bone dry. Topped up engine oil, put a drop down into each cylinder and the car fired right up smoking it's brains out. Done a compression test and way out spec, car was so low on compression it wouldn't fire up. The immibiliser faults were only coming into it after people had been cranking it for so long and it not starting the ECU was getting confused.

Could think if a thousand examples of where following the tester to diagnose the car would lead you astray.

mr_edge_to_you

Discodog wrote: »

A good mechanic will look at it but not until January as they are fully booked with services.

Thats the problem with good trades people!

stratowide

Back when I was an apprentice mechanic the best advice I ever got was from a teacher on block release.
"Never take a customers word for anything,always check it yourself."

I've avoided many a wild goose chase by heeding this.

teediddlyeye

Wailin wrote: »

No, that's what diagnostic equipment is for, to "diagnose".

Lmao.

As above. It's not a crystal ball. Had one a couple of weeks ago. DPF wouldn't regen no faults stored. Tried a forced regen wouldn't work, exhaust temps out of spec. All temp sensors reading correctly at the right temp through measured values.

So what does the youtube/google self certified hero with a cheap ebay obd reader do at this point?

Finally found out that there was a throttle body fault preventing DPF regen. Turns out it had a new throttle body fitted at an independent garage. When that didn't fix the issue it was simply mapped out, given back to the customer and few weeks later the DPF problem emerged.

Customer declined further repair. Main stealers rip off I suppose?

Tuco88

Lads who don't treat peoples vehicles with respect. Not putting covers back on correctly, missing fixings, using cables ties and self tapper screws all over, is usually the sign of a donkey. Usually goes the road of swapping parts all over the town in hope of fixing the fault.

You get over the odd broken clip, as plastics ages they get brittle thats gona happen. But oil hand prints, scraches on panels from working on the engine.

Can't beat a good mech tho with all the correct gear. I find most mechanics are decent but only are excellent on a particular makes. Makes sence with all the variety out and about. I always round up the price for the mechanic I use if its €180 I'll give him €200.

Agreed, pay rate sound be more.

jmreire

teediddlyeye wrote: »

Lmao.

As above. It's not a crystal ball. Had one a couple of weeks ago. DPF wouldn't regen no faults stored. Tried a forced regen wouldn't work, exhaust temps out of spec. All temp sensors reading correctly at the right temp through measured values.

So what does the youtube/google self certified hero with a cheap ebay obd reader do at this point?

Finally found out that there was a throttle body fault preventing DPF regen. Turns out it had a new throttle body fitted at an independent garage. When that didn't fix the issue it was simply mapped out, given back to the customer and few weeks later the DPF problem emerged.

Customer declined further repair. Main stealers rip off I suppose?

Thats the difference between a google qualified mechanic and the real thing.. but the same thing applies to all walks of life....Theres always the grey areas, where only experience will win out. The best tool's and equipment will only be as good as the man using them, but for sure modern vehicles since the 70's-80's onwards are leapfrogging themselves in computerisation and technology. OBD is an essential part of that. Back in the 60's, VW had what would evolve into OBD many years later. The used Sun Analyser Equipment to access the obd socket at the time, primitive stuff compared by todays standards, but it wa state of the art back then. And it will continue on this path.

Bmw123d

Discodog wrote: »

I have rebuilt engines in my driveway & I sought the knowledge of several people who have repaired this particular fault. I just don't fancy doing it in a drive during December. Plus to me 2006 is new in that there are other factors like computerisation.

Sure if ya have rebuilt engines in ur drive this will be easy to ya so

Allinall

Bmw123d wrote: »

Sure if ya have rebuilt engines in ur drive this will be easy to ya so

Did you even read the second half of the paragraph you quoted?

Or just cut a corner and reply without properly evaluating what was said?

the_syco

jmreire wrote: »

The best tool's and equipment will only be as good as the man using them

Agreed. Have a gizmo that I can plug into a PC. It'll tell me what's not working, but as the manual is in Chinenglish, I need to have an understanding of why. No power to some may mean that the PSU is gone, but to me I'd check the 4 pin power plug for the CPU.