Some squeal from the front disc brakes when applied may not be abnormal.
Depending on you driving and braking habits, it may not go away
completely, no matter what anyone does, especially if you get the brakes
rather hot.
Squeal from the rear brakes can usually be eliminated by the procedure I
outlined in the previous post.
It sounds like your dealer is trying hard to satisfy you, so you may wish
to let them make the call. If they say the front squeal is normal, I
don't think they'd lie to you about that after going through all the
trouble they've already gone through. Replacing the front rotors (at
least in my belief) was above and beyond the call of duty (as long as
there was no physical problem with the rotors). Also, if they come back
and say that the rears need to be cleaned and adjusted, you should also be
willing to pay for them to do that.
I know you're not terribly satisfied, but from what you've posted, it
seems to me that your dealer is providing you exemplary service and being
honest. Even if you're not happy with the results of the brake service,
you should probably not let that tarnish an otherwise good relationship.
Honest and competent repair facilities are difficult to find.
Brian Nystrom - 03 Aug 2005 06:15 GMT
> Some squeal from the front disc brakes when applied may not be abnormal.
> Depending on you driving and braking habits, it may not go away
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> you should probably not let that tarnish an otherwise good relationship.
> Honest and competent repair facilities are difficult to find.
FWIW, I notice some creaking from the front brakes occasionally when
rolling slowly to a stop. It seems normal to me.
hyundaitech - 03 Aug 2005 17:35 GMT
It's possible to make the noise Brian describes in pretty much any vehicle,
and I agree it's normal.
bamina - 04 Aug 2005 00:05 GMT
> Some squeal from the front disc brakes when applied may not be
> abnormal. Depending on you driving and braking habits, it may not go
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> relationship. Honest and competent repair facilities are difficult to
> find.
FWIW
I think I'd agree they have been pretty good by and large. One employee
there in particular has gone the distance on this for me. I will
definitely keep that in mind. Because I appreciate his professionalism
and ethic, I'll keep true.
ALSO Keep in mind, however, it is a two way relationship.
I take it to them for every single oil change, and all the supplemental
maintenance (10K, 20K, 30K, etc. at 300-500$ each time)...
and I am a bit disappointed in that a dealership in a neighboring city
charges 350 for the pads and rotors complete (not just pads).
I am also disappointed that the brakes sounded fine prior, and now (it'll
be 5 trips and very costly time for both of us) they weren't tested fully
to show the problems (defect in rotor surface, faulty pads) prior to my
picking the car up.
As a customer-service example:
I have another make car from a diferent dealer--the door-to-door free
shuttle service is exemplary (every 30 min.max), and the loaner is mine
in the event of multiday service. I brought it back after an error and
they ate the cost en total.
This got them my loyalty, word-of-mouth promotion, and a the high
probability I will purchase from them in the future.
hyundaitech - 05 Aug 2005 17:34 GMT
I definitely agree on the two way street deal. The price you paid and the
price quoted for pads and rotors seem to be about the right differential.
You're not really comparing apples to apples, so you may learn that either
place would have charged about the same for the same work.
The fact that you have your regular scheduled maintenance done there means
they will be very interested in keeping you satisfied. They know that even
if it costs them a little money now, they will benefit in the long run with
your continued business.
On the brake vibration issue, I agree that the repair wasn't properly
verified prior to returning to the vehicle. Making conclusions on events
after that is difficult for me to do.
If you decide to take the car back in to have it rechecked, make it clear
to them that you're not satisfied, but you're also happy that they've been
working with you and not being confrontational during the entire problem.
This will make them reluctant to tell you anything other than they've
resolved the problem. Most dealers have a small number of mechanics who
they trust to be able to solve the most difficult problems. Ask them if
they'd consider putting their best man (or woman) on the case. Be
prepared for the following:
-- They may tell you it's normal. They know you're a good customer
and you've expressed your dissatisfaction. I doubt they'd tell you this
if it weren't true. Be prepared to live with this if that's what they
tell you.
-- They may find the noise coming from the rear and that the rear
brakes need to be cleaned/adjusted/lubed. This would apply to drum brakes
only. I suspect that if this is the case, they'll go ahead and do it at no
charge for you. First, because you're worth the investment. Second,
because they may owe it to you. If you've been having your maintenance
services done regularly, you probably had this done by them recently
anyway.