NCT Failure - Expectation from Tyre Garage

callaway92

Had NCT yesterday and car failed on the following ‘Majors’

• Track rod ends (worn)
• Ball Joints (worn)

Earlier in the day I got the tracking done in a tyre garage that I never used before with the assumption that it was just my tracking was an issue and wanted it fixed before the NCT.

They obviously did the tracking and charged for it but after the NCT the person in the centre noted that the points above on my car were borderline dangerous and were ruining my new tyres.

I mentioned I got the tracking done earlier and he said it was awful bad form of the crowd to not mention how bad the car was as it would’ve been completely obvious to them and couldn’t have done their job without knowing so.

Should I visit them/give them a phone call with a complaint? If anything just to hear if they did notice.. or is it just a case of ‘we did your tracking like you asked’

Thanks!

tanko

I’d definitely go back and have a word with the boss, it was bad form from them but when going for the NCT you’re better off doing no work on the car before the test just lob it in and see how it goes. You can get some stuff fixed, it fails on something else and you have to do a retest anyway.

callaway92

Thanks for the response

Ya in hindsight I should’ve just done the NCT but I was so certain it would fail on tracking I wanted to check it ha

Here is not only garage fault (they did not say anything to you or did not notice it), owner fault too. You did not even think to check and replace the worn parts before the job. If you have used/older car, it is so obvious to check the parts before that. The garage made exactly what was asked. They did not want to sell to you anything extra so they made only what you requested. I see so many dangerous cars and owners does not want to pay for these jobs. I think the garages should have more power to stop the dangerous cars. They can lose the customer but it can save the lives.

callaway92

My car knowledge would be very basic, hence the assumption that tracking was the issue.

As much as I appreciate bluntness, I do think you’ve gone a step too far with your criticism there. Someone like me would be relying on the Garage telling me there’s an issue there.

If more work was needed I obviously would’ve been fine with that.

For tracking job they typically lift the car by 4 post lift and they do not get the same good feeling about wear parts as on 2 post lift. If visually everything looks ok, they made the requested job and you can not blame them. Sure you can, but it does not help.

PsychoPete

I don't think you can really complain if they were told just to do the tracking. They more than likely wouldn't have noticed the parts were worn

callaway92

Thanks lads

I was more going off what the NCT person said in regards to their competence.

I’m aware though that I didn’t ask to check anything else specifically.

Cheers for the help.

dkd21

This is incorrect , anybody or garage with competence should be giving the car at least a simple visual and physical inspection for worn parts , otherwise your tracking "wheel alignment" will never be correct , this is car mechanics 101...

Like I said on 4 post lift without fancy lift (like NCT have), you can not wiggle there almost anything. If workers did not seen anything wrong by visually then nothing to do. You can complain about service but they made what was ordered. Sorry if it is unfair, it is just what it is. That is why it is very-very important to add invoice what was requested and what was actually made.

callaway92

I suppose in the end of the day it’s a long-term loss for them as I won’t be returning for future business (which would’ve been the outcome otherwise).

Every garage can find some level of mutual agreement. It does not mean they cover your losses but they can example replace these parts by half price and make the tracking by free. If you tell the story nicely, they all agree that. Only big D heads disagree everything. Sure they can disagree because order is order.

sundodger5

If the parts were that bad they should have spotted it before doing the tracking.

It will need tracking after the parts are changed so they should do it again for free.

Even a good wiggle of a wheel on the ground/4 poster will show some play which could be further investigated.

Seweryn

Here is what is wrong with the tyre garage doing the tracking, as I have been there many times:

1. The tyre garage should inform the customer that they should get the suspension and steering components checked independently for wear and tear before the tracking service.
2. Tyre garages do not have experienced mechanics on board for this service. Not the customer's fault, but that is life. Most of them are incompetent. Adjusting toe in / out is all they usually do. Wheel camber correction is something I found they do not touch most of the time. Makes no sense to me at all, but in response they say "their insurance don't cover this". Is it true or not, I don't know, but it is nonsense to me.

dkd21

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118220183#Comment_118220183

It doesn't matter what lift is used , any part can be checked with simple knowledge and tools quite quickly , that is quite the cop out.. especially when a track rod end is quite worn ... . The NCT can't use tools hence why a shaker plate is required .

Carrying out wheel alignment without checking for any wear first is like charging for an aircon re gas when there is a possible big leak..

Don't work with your head in the sand .

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118221691#Comment_118221691

You do not shake there anything until the wheels is on the ramp. You only dream how strong you are. Even if you shake, you lost all the visual tracking and sensitivity because you push too hard. Try to do that by your car on the ground. Do not blame the tight space, blame the car weight. Soon as you lift car tyres off the ground, you have the full control.

dkd21

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118221960#Comment_118221960

We are checking the vehicle on a lift not on the ground obviously ? you have misunderstood my post maybe .. . Also once past the point of using body strength to check components , you must use lever bars , this is standard knowledge