Warranty: Replace a single shock or the pair?
Discussion
Just as a matter of interest, wht's your thoughts on this one?
My old dear's 'new' 2009 Mazda with 28,000 miles developed a pretty significant clunk over the past couple of weeks and after a couple of failed attempts to sort it, the dealer has decided to replace the o/s/r shock absorber.
Now, I've been on both sides of the desk so I appreciate a warranty (be it manufacturer or dealer or aftermarket) will generally only cover the failed item and as shocks are sold as single units, they'll be seeking to fit a single unit. However, good engineering practice would suggest to me that they should really be replaced as a pair.
The slight issue being this is a dealer's 3 months 'in house' warranty and thus the bill will be getting picked up by the sales department so rest assured it'll be a single shock absorber and the cheapest one they can possibly source too. In fact, wouldn't surprise me if a car on the forecourt finds itself donating one next week.
On the basis it's been a farce so far, not to mention the time / costs incurred running back and forth (this will be the third visit) I'm inclined to think it should really be getting a pair - save running one new Hey Mickey damper and one 3yr old, 28k Mazda damper.
Any thoughts?
My old dear's 'new' 2009 Mazda with 28,000 miles developed a pretty significant clunk over the past couple of weeks and after a couple of failed attempts to sort it, the dealer has decided to replace the o/s/r shock absorber.
Now, I've been on both sides of the desk so I appreciate a warranty (be it manufacturer or dealer or aftermarket) will generally only cover the failed item and as shocks are sold as single units, they'll be seeking to fit a single unit. However, good engineering practice would suggest to me that they should really be replaced as a pair.
The slight issue being this is a dealer's 3 months 'in house' warranty and thus the bill will be getting picked up by the sales department so rest assured it'll be a single shock absorber and the cheapest one they can possibly source too. In fact, wouldn't surprise me if a car on the forecourt finds itself donating one next week.
On the basis it's been a farce so far, not to mention the time / costs incurred running back and forth (this will be the third visit) I'm inclined to think it should really be getting a pair - save running one new Hey Mickey damper and one 3yr old, 28k Mazda damper.
Any thoughts?
Edited by Davie on Wednesday 23 January 18:43
I would only consider it reasonable to replace a single damper (yes, damper, we're in the UK 
) if the other one is in very good condition and is not very old, in terms of mileage or years. In your case, the other side maybe could be considered new enough to leave - but only if the single replacement fitted is of the exact same specification.
It wouldn't be acceptable for them to fit a pattern part on one side, and leave an OEM one on the other. Imagine if you had a brake pad's friction material detach, would they go replacing that side with cheap crap and leave the OEM ones on the other side, on the basis that "they aren't broken"?
Some stuff needs to be balanced either side of the car.
) if the other one is in very good condition and is not very old, in terms of mileage or years. In your case, the other side maybe could be considered new enough to leave - but only if the single replacement fitted is of the exact same specification.It wouldn't be acceptable for them to fit a pattern part on one side, and leave an OEM one on the other. Imagine if you had a brake pad's friction material detach, would they go replacing that side with cheap crap and leave the OEM ones on the other side, on the basis that "they aren't broken"?
Some stuff needs to be balanced either side of the car.
The argument she made was that if one has failed at 28k then the other really on't be far behind and so on that basis, give it another couple of weeks when the warranty expires - any issues in that department will be her issue. The other point she made which in fact was actually rather impressive - it's be like having a pair of Nikes, the sole rips on one so you take them back and they give you one new trainer. And that trainer is a Pan Am. She has a point!
Had it been a Mazda part then ok, fair enough but given it's not a Mazda warranty issue and the bill will be picked up by the sales department - I can't say I'm too happy that it'll be sporting one worn Mazda damper and one new, cheap generic damper. In fact, I think I'd rather buy a second matching shock and request they fit it free gratis at the same time. Or yes, they fit a OEM part (which is KYB I think?) but then again, the cost of one OEM damper from Mazda would probably pay for a pair of Monroe or Bilsteins via Euro Car Parts or the local factor.
Had it been a Mazda part then ok, fair enough but given it's not a Mazda warranty issue and the bill will be picked up by the sales department - I can't say I'm too happy that it'll be sporting one worn Mazda damper and one new, cheap generic damper. In fact, I think I'd rather buy a second matching shock and request they fit it free gratis at the same time. Or yes, they fit a OEM part (which is KYB I think?) but then again, the cost of one OEM damper from Mazda would probably pay for a pair of Monroe or Bilsteins via Euro Car Parts or the local factor.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff