Need opinions - trouble with non-LR shop with LCA Bushings

[RumRunnr]

I need some opinions because this is a first for me. My front LCA bushing went out and I went to a reputable independent mechanic to have it replaced. Upon looking at the situation he advised that I replace (on both sides) the ball joints and front/rear bushings. I agreed because it made sense just to get it over with and pay for the alignment once.

So I ordered the parts from Atlantic British, and dropped the truck off.

A day later I got a call at work and the mechanic stated that he couldn't/wouldn't complete the job because of the degree of difficulty unless I instead replaced the entire control arms and returned the bushings.

He also denied that his partner advised me to order all the bushings/ball joints.

He stated that I had to pay him for his time since he could not get the LCA bolts off and spent an hour trying.

Would you pay this guy? As it stands, now I have a truck seriously out of alignment (after his aborted repair job) and no repairs have been made...also I had to borrow an Acura MDX to drive to a wedding this weekend since the alignment is so bad on the LR

 

[Houm_WA]

I would tell him that if he can just complete the job, you'll pay him for the extra time. If he has been diligent then it seems fair because there are situations where once you get the control arm off and try to fit the bush, it becomes evident that the arm will no longer retain the bushing because it's so badly worn (this happened to me). In this case, it's neither the fault of the guy who told you to order the bushings nor the guy who removed the lower control arm.

They have your rig (all apart)...diplomacy is pretty important here I think. Don't get run over but also try to be fair to them. Maybe you an negotiate a discounted labor rate for the time "already served."

 

[dantheman1]

I'm surprised he said that he could change the bushings in the first place. Even the two LR dealers that I went to changed the entire control arm out due to the level of difficulty. I'm not a lawyer, but I say the best option is to take your truck to an LR dealer and have them change the control arms and send the indy shop the bill. Good luck with it.

 

[RumRunnr]

Update: after ordering the new LCA's from the LR dealership I found out that the parts counter employee from LR had talked my indy mechanic out of changing the bushings. That's the reason he didn't complete the job; it wasn't a mechanical issue of the LCA being too warn.

I'm going to have my shop replace the control arms and have LR do the alignment.

Thanks for the feedback.