Astra Steering Rack

Leak on steering rack on '02 Astra - needs new steering assembly!

and NO, I'm not paying (Warranty) - but I'm a bit puzzled becuase the
dealership has rung me back to say "bigger job than we thought - we need to
keep the car for 2 days"

OK say I - but is this REALLY the case? - if so, God help us if this sort of
thing happens outside warranty!

Anyone have experience of this, and is it really such a big job? I can't
beleieve it's simply that they haven't got the bits, otherwise they would
have said so - and I did get the option of leaving it with them or
re-booking, so I can't see any hidden reason for them keeping the car.

 

its not a huge job, shouldnt take more than a couple of hours, however it
depends who is doing the job, some guys just don't work very fast, also they
may have other jobs in the workshop, i am regularly working on up to 3 or 4
cars at any one time, however in terms of cost there is a set time for each
individual job on any vehicle and this should be the time charged for
regardless of how long it takes each individual technician,
we use a catalogue called "ICME" which gives times for (virtually) every job
on (virtually) every car and therefore if a steering rack takes for example
3.2 hours then thats what we charge even if it takes us all day.
p.s not all garages stick to this, so if your unsure about how many hours
you are paying for then ask to see the book time for the job you've just had
done. all garages should have a similar guide but may be reluctant to show
you once theyve asked for your money.
steve.

 

Hi

My year old Astra had the steering rack replaced by a Vauxhall dealer. The
power steering was loud and complained at the slightest touch of the wheel.
They told me it took 6 hours, as it was done under warranty and cost me
nothing I suspect that is the correct time it took them as there would be no
reason to inflate the time.

6 hours is as good as a working day, plus time needs to be given for test
driving etc, so they ended up having the car for almost a day and a half,
but glad to say the problem was completely resolved. With my experience
asking to keep the car for 2 days would seem about right to cover the job
with some time to spare for unforeseen problems.

Regards

Philip

 

They probably need to wait for parts as I wouldn't expect them to keep a
rack in stock.

This sort of job is not particularly difficult but it can take time and they
will want to test it afterwards.

I suspect they are covering themselves by telling you it will take two days.

--

Alan


New & used Vauxhall cars & vans, servicing, repairs & parts
www.steeles.co.uk

Vauxhall CD players & handbooks
http://www.stores.ebay.co.uk/vauxhallradiosales

 

OK ta - having seen the invoice for the repairs, I can understand why they
might not stock it - it really was a case of "Glad I'm not paying this" ...