Should I just "bend over"??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TomJ · #1 10-21-2003, 11:52 PM

Short story; getting to the point on my 300D conversion to 4-speed manual that I need the driveshaft.

Was at the local MB "sub" dealer (they sell MB parts at a good price, but not "authorized" dealer) and asked about driveshaft shortening. They said "just bring it in, we have one going out for shortening tomorrow and will throw yours in".

Went down to pick it up today and the welding looks like an electrical accident (warts on a witch would be another way to put it) with no weights added or removed, just the way I sent it as far as balancing.

The worst part...., the bill was $175 for this hack job!!

I told them I couldn't afford it today and walked out.

Most shops when I called around before bringing it into them quoted $85 or so and I was told that was too high!

I'm not the type to stiff someone on a bill, but this is absolutely insane for such crappy work.

Opinions??

Anyone here have any pics of their shortened shafts in conversions?

Think this is a reasonable price to pay???

Should I just let them keep the shaft?

jassz · #2 10-22-2003, 12:23 AM

I think you are obligated to pay the price, if you did not first get an estimate from them. Not asking the price to me implies you're willing to pay whatever the cost... you can't reneg on it later. That doesn't mean you can't grumble bitterly, and maybe get the price reduced.

TomJ · #3 10-22-2003, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jassz
I think you are obligated to pay the price, if you did not first get an estimate from them. Not asking the price to me implies you're willing to pay whatever the cost... you can't reneg on it later. That doesn't mean you can't grumble bitterly, and maybe get the price reduced.

Yes, fully agreed. This is something I RARELY do, but the guy gives me great prices on ALL the MB parts I've bought (better than any online sources), so, as in my fathers era, I just "trusted" the guy to do me right on this.

Anyway, I suppose I should just pay it and chalk it up to education costs and ALWAYS be a nit-picky price monger about EVERYTHING (especially since I'm living foot to mouth - toe cheese ain't too bad on matzo's!)

One thing, the $'s already went to the shop that did the s**t looking job on the welding so it would only hurt the dealer to not pay for it, that I don't want to do.

R Leo · #4 10-22-2003, 01:18 AM

I agree about the cosmetics but, if it's in balance, then it dosen't really matter what it looks like. And, since the MBZ shafts aren't electrically welded, you're never going to have anything that matches the OEM fabrication.

OTOH, if you stick it in and the SOB shakes like a washing machine with three legs on spin cycle, they're the ones that need to start bending over.

cracker928 · #5 10-22-2003, 01:33 AM

If this dealer has been so good to you that you trusted him on this, no questions asked, then be candid with him. It sounds like he is using a third party to do the work, so if the dealer has any integrity, he will work it out with you and take it out of the third party's butt since it reflects poorly on them (the dealer). I don't know what shaft shortening should cost, but whatever the cost it is fair to expect a professional job. As stated, function is what matters, but what looks like an amateur job usually is.

I am assuming you want to continue getting good prices from this guy and want to use them again. Put the ball in the dealer's court an clear you conscience. You might just get what you bargained for.

arkie · #6 10-22-2003, 09:12 AM

I would simply ask the dealer if they will be willing to accept the liability of the welding (and they will be liable if it ever went to court). The potential damage from the drive shaft breaking loose or being out of balance and ruining the transmission should make them re-think the deal and insist that the third party who welded it make it right. I wouldn't risk thousands of dollars of legal fees and a ruined reputation over $175.00 worth of work that obviously looks shoddy from the get-go. And neither will they.

mr. Goodwrench · #7 10-22-2003, 09:50 AM

I had a 2 piece driveshaft shortened when I converted a Volvo turbodiesel from Automatic to standard shift. The shop I took it to only works on driveshafts. They make driveshafts, repair driveshafts, mostly on over the road Class 8 tractors. They chucked it in a huge lathe, cut the weld out on the U joint yoke, shortened the tube, lined up the U joints and the factory paint marks and welded it together. I asked him if they were going to balance it? He said that it would cost another $100.00 but that it wouldn't be necessary as it is already balanced. The welded seam was as nice as the original. It cost me $50.00 about 5 years ago. The driveshaft performed flawlessly.

When you take something to the dealer to be sent out you have to realize that they will tack on $$$. Always try to eliminate the middle man by doing some searching in the yellow pages or asking independant shops or parts houses for leads. A diesel truck mechanic friend recommended the shop to me.

kerry · #8 10-22-2003, 02:52 PM

Where and who in Colorado? I'm gong to have to do this myself sometime and I don't want to run into the same problem. PM me if you don't want to post the info.

TomJ · #9 10-22-2003, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kerry edwards
Where and who in Colorado? I'm gong to have to do this myself sometime and I don't want to run into the same problem. PM me if you don't want to post the info.

Kerry, I have NO PROBLEM saying who did this hack job. It was Englewood Driveline.

The ONLY shop I talked to (and SHOULD have, should have, should have used) that sounded like they really knew what they were doing is the one in Greelely (don't have their name on the top of my head, but the only driveline place in Greeley).

They are the ONLY ones who will balance BOTH shafts as an assembly AFTER they shorten the front shaft.

Cost was quoted at a firm $150. $25 LESS than what this will turn out costing me for a crappy job that undoubtedly wasn't balanced.