The car technicans thread
The car technicans thread
Author
Discussion

MG CHRIS

Original Poster:

9,322 posts

194 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
So as we got a thread forcars salesman thread thought i start a thread for all the mechanics/technician be it for advice, opinions, sharing data etc or just letting some steam of after a busy day.

So how is everyone doing we seem to be busier than useual for august but mostly due to be down 2 staff down so what jobs are everyone doing been mostly servicing/ brakes for us but seeing a lot of renaults for electrical faults surprise surprise and vag cars with injector faults.

Anyway im sure every have plenty to talk about........




It's a me

246 posts

199 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
Currently stripping a 206 diesel with a suspected blown turbo oil seal. Oil around the turbo and sprayed onto the head. I'm not so sure though. I've a sneaky feeling it's been over filled with oil and it's come out of the breather.

kentmotorcompany

2,471 posts

237 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
To the main dealer guys.

How do you think being pushed in terms of time efficiency affects quality?


I ask because recently I had a 2006 BMW serviced by a main dealer, which included a brake fluid change. They snapped off one bleed nipple, and claimed another was seized (still wanted to charge me for a full BF change, but thats another issue).

My local indy who I use regularly repaired the snapped off nipple, and undid the seized one, and re done the BF fluid change.
Their explanation was that because main dealer techies are under so much time pressure for the simple stuff, they just don't have the time to do things like take the wheels off (for better access I assume), and work on difficult nuts bolts ETC for longer.

If its true I wonder what else it might have an affect on?

What do you main dealer techies think?

crosseyedlion

2,380 posts

225 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
I've managed to slip out of 'the game' to focus on my studies and end up developing the cars...not just fixing them.

Today I've been organizing my new garage at my leisure. I'm doing some bits on my neighbors 2003 Range Rover this weekend- but on my own terms. Its a lovely feeling, stopping working on the cars has got my love of playing with them back biggrin

lexusboy

1,101 posts

170 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
kentmotorcompany said:
To the main dealer guys.

How do you think being pushed in terms of time efficiency affects quality?


I ask because recently I had a 2006 BMW serviced by a main dealer, which included a brake fluid change. They snapped off one bleed nipple, and claimed another was seized (still wanted to charge me for a full BF change, but thats another issue).

My local indy who I use regularly repaired the snapped off nipple, and undid the seized one, and re done the BF fluid change.
Their explanation was that because main dealer techies are under so much time pressure for the simple stuff, they just don't have the time to do things like take the wheels off (for better access I assume), and work on difficult nuts bolts ETC for longer.

If its true I wonder what else it might have an affect on?

What do you main dealer techies think?
It all depends on what the official book time is for the particular job. Some are way overtimed and some are way undertimed. Swings and roundabouts really.

I work on up-sold items bonus rather than efficiency so I can't really say about time effecting quality as I take my time and will do 'extras' because I'm under no real time pressure.

SamT1993

30 posts

168 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
lexusboy said:
kentmotorcompany said:
To the main dealer guys.

How do you think being pushed in terms of time efficiency affects quality?


I ask because recently I had a 2006 BMW serviced by a main dealer, which included a brake fluid change. They snapped off one bleed nipple, and claimed another was seized (still wanted to charge me for a full BF change, but thats another issue).

My local indy who I use regularly repaired the snapped off nipple, and undid the seized one, and re done the BF fluid change.
Their explanation was that because main dealer techies are under so much time pressure for the simple stuff, they just don't have the time to do things like take the wheels off (for better access I assume), and work on difficult nuts bolts ETC for longer.

If its true I wonder what else it might have an affect on?

What do you main dealer techies think?
It all depends on what the official book time is for the particular job. Some are way overtimed and some are way undertimed. Swings and roundabouts really.

I work on up-sold items bonus rather than efficiency so I can't really say about time effecting quality as I take my time and will do 'extras' because I'm under no real time pressure.
I agree some jobs there is nowhere near enough time to do ,some you can have a cuppa afterwards with time to spare

RTech

6 posts

179 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
kentmotorcompany said:
To the main dealer guys.

How do you think being pushed in terms of time efficiency affects quality?


I ask because recently I had a 2006 BMW serviced by a main dealer, which included a brake fluid change. They snapped off one bleed nipple, and claimed another was seized (still wanted to charge me for a full BF change, but thats another issue).

My local indy who I use regularly repaired the snapped off nipple, and undid the seized one, and re done the BF fluid change.
Their explanation was that because main dealer techies are under so much time pressure for the simple stuff, they just don't have the time to do things like take the wheels off (for better access I assume), and work on difficult nuts bolts ETC for longer.

If its true I wonder what else it might have an affect on?


What do you main dealer techies think?
Ever wonder where Techs get all those clips, nuts, bolts and screws from that are in the bottom of their toolboxes?
I always try and take the time to treat customers cars the way I would like mine treated. Greasing locks, hinges etc, and I take great pride in my work.
Although as you've touched on, efficiency is pushed so much that something has to give, and unfortunately it's usually quality of work.
As I've told my boss many of times, either you want it done right, or you want it done right now, you pick!

Some customers don't make it easy either though. They can be worse than a service manager, demanding that their car is done ASAP as they need to rush home to watch Loose Women

lexusboy

1,101 posts

170 months

Tuesday 4th September 2012
quotequote all
RTech said:
Ever wonder where Techs get all those clips, nuts, bolts and screws from that are in the bottom of their toolboxes?
I always try and take the time to treat customers cars the way I would like mine treated. Greasing locks, hinges etc, and I take great pride in my work.
Although as you've touched on, efficiency is pushed so much that something has to give, and unfortunately it's usually quality of work.
As I've told my boss many of times, either you want it done right, or you want it done right now, you pick!

Some customers don't make it easy either though. They can be worse than a service manager, demanding that their car is done ASAP as they need to rush home to watch Loose Women
If you don't have a draw of bits then you are useless lol

waseemrafiq94

85 posts

183 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
Got a 06 plate volvo s40 d5. Gearbox fault, when put in drive it hesitates and then goes.


Rebuilt the automatic gearbox. Replaced the solenoids. Now have to replace the valve body.

A job from hell.

Si_steve

1,184 posts

217 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
I wish I could join in properly with this thread. Unfortunately Too old for an appreticeship as I left it too late to go to College and get qualified (yes entirely my own fault I know)

I am going to have a little rant though, as Applied to so many garages and they have all taken on school leavers who couldn't be less interested in the job if they tried instead of me having worked 2 years at College to get my level 3 C&G (Incredibly high marks on all exams theory and practical) and Also having huge enthusiasm for the job. Really winds me up.

As for jobs i'm doing? Engine change on my 9000 turbo as it's chewed a bearing...Next up is a full engine build for my Astra.

crosseyedlion

2,380 posts

225 months

Thursday 6th September 2012
quotequote all
Si_steve said:
I wish I could join in properly with this thread. Unfortunately Too old for an appreticeship as I left it too late to go to College and get qualified (yes entirely my own fault I know)

I am going to have a little rant though, as Applied to so many garages and they have all taken on school leavers who couldn't be less interested in the job if they tried instead of me having worked 2 years at College to get my level 3 C&G (Incredibly high marks on all exams theory and practical) and Also having huge enthusiasm for the job. Really winds me up.

As for jobs i'm doing? Engine change on my 9000 turbo as it's chewed a bearing...Next up is a full engine build for my Astra.
I got on a motorsport technology foundation degree, With doing that and my previous mechanical experience (mostly just a hobby) I had 4 job offers within a week when I blitzed the yellow pages (this was in my first year of studies)....It opens doors, shows you're really serious about it. might be worth thinking about.

D900SP

459 posts

210 months

Friday 7th September 2012
quotequote all
kentmotorcompany said:
To the main dealer guys.

How do you think being pushed in terms of time efficiency affects quality?


I ask because recently I had a 2006 BMW serviced by a main dealer, which included a brake fluid change. They snapped off one bleed nipple, and claimed another was seized (still wanted to charge me for a full BF change, but thats another issue).

My local indy who I use regularly repaired the snapped off nipple, and undid the seized one, and re done the BF fluid change.
Their explanation was that because main dealer techies are under so much time pressure for the simple stuff, they just don't have the time to do things like take the wheels off (for better access I assume), and work on difficult nuts bolts ETC for longer.

If its true I wonder what else it might have an affect on?

What do you main dealer techies think?
If the car is out of warranty, either initial or extended, then the main dealer would not be the first choice. Dealer business is built on the client replacing the car every four years.