Is it normal for a car shop to refuse to do a specific repair?

35% Normal
10 Comments

My wife just had her car serviced. They did what she wanted, but also mentioned a couple of additional things that "need doing." The one I'm writing about is the replacement of the brake fluid. They specifically said that the caliper is rusted (which is normal since they're made from cast iron), and they don't want to remove the bolt(!) I know that calipers usually have a bleeder as well as a larger bolt. Either can be used. The thing I keep coming back to is that they said, "No mechanic will touch that."

I can't help but assume that this is leading to, "You need new calipers," or some other more expensive work. I've visually inspected all four calipers and I don't see any rust at all. On top of that, the brake fluid was changed 11 months ago... it's hard to believe it needs changing again so soon.

Is this a normal occurrence, or are they trying to scam us?

Voting Results
35% Normal
Based on 23 votes (8 yes)
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Comments ( 10 )
  • NotStrangeBird
    10 years ago

    Calipers usually have 2 mounting bolts, the bolt that holds the hose on and and a bleeder. I'm not sure if what you're talking about is the bleeder or not.

    I'm guessing it is and they're trying to tell you that if they try to loosen it, it will break off. It could be repaired and the caliper rebuilt, but the time needed to do it would probably be more expensive than a new caliper anyway. Unless you have an expensive car, they're really not that expensive.

    Unless there's a leak or line/hose failure, there's no need to change the caliper and thus no need to bleed the brakes. Brake fluid lasts for years and years provided there's been no contamination. Does the car stop OK? Does it pull to the side or anything?

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    • Justsomejerk
      10 years ago

      Exactly, if it ain't broke....

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    • NeuroNeptunian
      10 years ago

      This.
      @OP, if you really need to, try to get a second opinion from a not-so-commercialized garage.

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    • KaffeInjection
      10 years ago

      W/E's going on.... Do you smell?

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      • NotStrangeBird
        10 years ago

        You can't even fix your broken Def Leppard action figures, what do you know about anything.

        You're an ineffectual little fuck who knows nothing, has no prospects in life besides buzzing around like a mosquito and trying to be "dark" and sarcastic.

        Who's really the cunt here? Take a good look at yourself and ask.

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  • megadriver
    10 years ago

    Go to another garage...

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  • ygrowup
    10 years ago

    Your shop may be leading you on or you mis understood! Seek out another for repairs in the future

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  • squeallikeasacofpigs
    10 years ago

    Car mechanics are the biggest rip off merchants out there.

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  • Maggie2000
    10 years ago

    Get a second opinion from another garage.

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  • dirtybirdy
    10 years ago

    We got a bleeder!

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