questionable dealership or honest mistake?
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CLK430
questionable dealership or honest mistake?
So I dropped my clk off at the dealer to check the ball joints due to a popping noise I am hearing while breaking sometimes and also while going over small bumps. A few hours later dealer calls back and says the wheel bearing need to be tightened they checked the whole front end and its fine. I tell them to do the work. They call back a short time later with some recommendations they found air filter, steering stabilizer badly leaking, power steering leaking and pilot bushings leaking. I told the guy I changed the air filter and steering stabilizer shock about a week ago. So I want to see the leaks and dirty filters so I can send them back. I declined all other service except the wheel hub bearings. When I got the car home there was no power steering leak, the shock and air filters were fine. I did find a hose clamp loosened on the drivers side front to an unknown part. Less than 24 hours later the noise is back. Personally I think it may be tie rods but they said they were fine... do you guys think they knew and just wanted more $ to bring it back?
as a side note there was no evidence of a leaking pilot bushing either but I brought it to a different dealership and they changed it for $100 bucks less than the 1st one quoted.
as a side note there was no evidence of a leaking pilot bushing either but I brought it to a different dealership and they changed it for $100 bucks less than the 1st one quoted.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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02' CLK 430
Dealer is usually a rip off. There are rare stories of exceptional service but they usually have a policy where if it's the slightest bit questionable they will replace the part. I would research a reputable Mercedes Independent shop that specializes in German vehicles. I found one close to me up here in Edmonton and it turns out the guy used to be the head mechanic at the dealer. He is way more honest and will actually show you the leaks and issues around the vehicle.
Read this it may help you solve your issues.
http://www.marcusfitzhugh.com/CLK/DIY/bjtrandwb.html
KRis
Read this it may help you solve your issues.
http://www.marcusfitzhugh.com/CLK/DIY/bjtrandwb.html
KRis
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I don't use my local dealer often, but when I do, I use a specific service writer. That writer has told me when certain mechanics that he would prefer perform the work are unavailable/on vacation. When the preferred mechanic was unavailable, the service was delayed. Why does he prefer certain mechanics? Because all wrenches are not equal. We all see it in our day jobs. Some people are competent, while others are less than adequate. Hopefully, the wrench who "serviced" your car is stupid rather than dishonest. Although, as soon as I read "steering stabilizer badly leaking" I thought, "Badly? There isn't that much oil in one. Just how bad could it leak?"
If you trust the dealership, the next time you have your car serviced there, while writing up the order tell the writer, "Look up the last mechanic who worked on my car and make sure he doesn't go near it this time." For me personally, if the writer had a problem with that, well, there are four Mercedes-Benz dealerships within 20 miles of my house. Nine within 30 miles. I'm pretty sure one of them can meet my needs.
If you trust the dealership, the next time you have your car serviced there, while writing up the order tell the writer, "Look up the last mechanic who worked on my car and make sure he doesn't go near it this time." For me personally, if the writer had a problem with that, well, there are four Mercedes-Benz dealerships within 20 miles of my house. Nine within 30 miles. I'm pretty sure one of them can meet my needs.
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CLK430
thanks, there is zero 12 to 6 play on the tire shake test. There is tiny movement on the 3 to 9 I can see the passenger side inner tie rod pushing on something and there is a little movement but im not sure if this is expected. The bushings all visually look good no rips tears or dry rot.
Last edited by Hitman0187; Mar 28, 2014 at 09:39 PM. Reason: spelling
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From: Nebraska
99CLK320,
I've told this story b4 but, after upgrading to Bilsteins, Vogtland springs, camber bolts, I went to the dealership for an alignment ONLY. I get a call later saying I needed lower control arm bushings plus a whole host of other repairs. Really? I said. I asked the srvmgr how many miles were on the car and he had no answer. 33K I said. Do you really think I need ca bushings? No answer. Told him to park it outside and I would come by an get it. When I picked up the car the srvmgr wouldn't look me in the eye. By the way, the springs are for sale. Nice drop but not slammed and very sporty handling. Roads in my hood are too beat up for a stiffer ride.
