There are just some days I wish I didn't turn wrenches

[OR VietVet]

Them spring tabs got me the first time I did my brakes on the 2015 Yukon. Don’t know how I missed it , but on both sides, the springs were wedged between the pad and the rotor.


View attachment 457938

That had to make a hell of a noise.

 

[OR VietVet]

Worked on a 2014 Ford E350 Super Duty XLT Flex Fuel today. In for an oil change, squeaky serp belt, wind noise at the driver's door and radio work but no display.

I did some research and found numerous posts about solder joints need solder on back of display but that is not for me and I told them.

I did the oil change and the drain plug had been overtightened and came out slow and found stretched threads and had a slight oil leak at the drain plug. I had already bought a new drain plug and it went in with no problems. Old and new drain plug pics.



The belt squeak noise was a dried out belt and slight noise at the idler. I replaced the belt, tensioner and the idler. No more noise.

The wind noise is caused by the upper hinge mount area, of the body, being cracked and pulling away and door sag. Someone at one time or another had loosened the attaching bolts at the other side of the hinge, where it attaches at the door. I tightened up the bolts and now you have to slam the door to close. When you push door by hand, up to the latch/striker, it has a springy effect that springs it back. He is aware the door will have to come off, new metal at hinge backing on the body side, reassemble and align.

 

[OR VietVet]

Well, started the new position at my shop owner friend's place. Showed me how to build estimates on their system, transfer the parts and labor and fluids and fees and printed out and he got to call 2 customers that had been waiting for a week for the estimates. He was able to knock out some serious work while I did the admin stuff. Going in at noon tomorrow and likely be there till 6 and then see when I come in next but he said that likely within 2 weeks, 80% of my time will be at home.

 

[OR VietVet]

Second day at the shop. He is throwing me in to the deep end. All good. He has given me estimates that are large and need to get sold. I am looking up all labors using All Data and monitoring the overlapping labor. If I am unsure, I just use All Data and look up all the repair procedures and where it may or may not overlap and adjust accordingly. Then looking up all parts and fluids needed. Load all the parts, fluids and labor and hazmat fees and any miscellaneous fees and then print the estimate for him to read and adjust as he likes. He has actually adopted a phrase that I like to use. I always told him that words are free and help pay for the work and justify the charges.

Looks like my hours when I am at the shop is gonna be noon till caught up and then time at home at a later date.

 

[Fless]

I hate it when shops quote "everything" and give you a quote that could break the bank, saying that it all needs to be done. Now. I hope you're prioritizing the repairs for the potential customers so they can get some things done, yet not have to do it all in one shot. That can scare them away.

 

[mountie]

I hate it when shops quote "everything" and give you a quote that could break the bank, saying that it all needs to be done. Now. I hope you're prioritizing the repairs for the potential customers so they can get some things done, yet not have to do it all in one shot. That can scare them away.

I used to do bids..... I learned to write them ( and speak)..... To show the client, what is required to properly complete the work, in simple language...... and to 'teach them' what the cost is for. They would be more confident.... to shell their bucks into my account.

Unless they are cheap skates and want something for nothing.... Those people are shown the door.

 

[Fless]

I used to do bids..... I learned to write them ( and speak)..... To show the client, what is required to properly complete the work, in simple language...... and to 'teach them' what the cost is for. They would be more confident.... to shell their bucks into my account.

Unless they are cheap skates and want something for nothing.... Those people are shown the door.

I understand that certain jobs require a certain amount of work; not arguing that. What I'm saying is to address critical issues first, and give the customer the option to delay repairs that aren't as necessary, or won't likely cause other problems. Then they come back in the future for the not-so-critical repairs.

 

[mountie]

I understand that certain jobs require a certain amount of work; not arguing that. What I'm saying is to address critical issues first, and give the customer the option to delay repairs that aren't as necessary, or won't likely cause other problems. Then they come back in the future for the not-so-critical repairs.

The suspension truck shop I go to, while they work under it, ..I say to them, "While you are there, ...if you see something that needs attention,... do it.

 

[Fless]

The suspension truck shop I go to, while they work under it, ..I say to them, "While you are there, ...if you see something that needs attention,... do it.

Not everyone can spend money that way; some folks' finances can run a bit thin. It's all about educating the customers and letting them decide.

 

[mountie]

Not everyone can spend money that way; some folks' finances can run a bit thin. It's all about educating the customers and letting them decide.

Totally agree...... When I had my upper/lower ball joints & A arms replaced, they saw my- tie rods needed replacing. They only charged me for the parts, since they were in there... Anything big, they would call me first.