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#1
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Caliper Bolt Scores and Breaks Wheel!
I had some work done on my 1993 SL500. Among other things, they replaced the front calipers. Several weeks later, the caliper bolt came loose and scored and broke the wheel. The tire went flat, and I had to have the car towed to the repair shop. They admitted it was their fault and are replacing the wheel (hard to find chromed wheel) My question is: Is this car safe? What are the chances of this happening once? again? Anyone had a similiar experience? Fortunately, this happened at a stop sign! What would have happened if the car was moving? Any thoughts or info much appreciated. Thanks
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Bill in Pittsburgh _____________ 1993 500SL |
#2
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IT sounds like the shop you used did not properly torque the bolts, or they didnt use lok-tite. I would check to see if there was any other damage done before jumping to conclusions.
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-Justin 91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd 01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd 07 MB ML320 CDI - dd 16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd it's automatic. |
#3
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bad shop
Well,,, I don't think I would take my Benz back to that shop, after he has fixed the damage he has done. There may well be other parts on that wheel that were damaged, I think you may be better off getting an independent garage to check it out when he is done fixing
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#4
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Inexcusable!
The chances of it happening again are excellent if this shop did the same thing on the other bolts! This is Car Repair 101 - you clean the bolts, apply Lok-Tite Blue and torque them to spec. You should insist that they do this to all the bolts, and start then start taking the car to a shop with higher standards.
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Chuck Taylor Falls Church VA '66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe |
#5
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Such a basic thing
Wow! If they have people who can't even check to see if a bolt is tight, I would find another shop and never look back. It also means that if they never tightened the bolt up, then they never used a torque wrench either. What a meatball mistake. They got lucky that the damage to the car was so minimal.
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Doug 1987 300TD x 3 2005 E320CDI |
#6
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Get them to do an alignment. Anything that hit hard enough to tear up a steel wheel put a lot of forces on the suspension and steering system. When they are finished be sure that you can drive the car on a straight road, with no wind, for at least 200 yds., a 1/4 mile is better, with out it pulling to one side.
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#7
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These bolts are generally supposed to be replaced each time the caliper is removed. Independents generally dont do that because the are not something in stock at NAPA autoparts etc. The bolts come with a locking compound on them. Most dealers replace these. This is the first time I ever heard of these bolts backing out. I have reused them but always with locktight and a torque wrench.
John Roncallo |
#8
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Quote:
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1980 450SL 2003 4Runner 4.7L To expect baseline results... You must have baseline conditions |
#9
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Your lucky the wheel didn't break while doing 80 mph on the highway !
I wouldn't let them touch the car again. Find a new shop, (preferably a good shop) have them recheck all the work the first shop did, and send the bill to the first shop. If they aren't willing to pay call your lawyer. I'm sure they will soon realize it's cheaper to pay for the repairs than risk a court case for negligence and endangerment.
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1998 SL 500 Sport (Samantha) 2005 E 55 AMG (Dr. Jekyl) |
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