Help!! Shop damaged rear alignment bolt, 92 Accord

[vicchang]

I brought my car in a local shop for 4-wheel alignment. I was watching the tech all the time. When he did the rear left wheel, I saw him had great difficulty to get a bolt loose. He tried hard and suddenly the tool slipped and dropped. From then on, he seemed can't get hold of the bolt and changed many sockets, used hammer to ham on something hard. Finally he gave up and told me he did his best but can't get the bolt loose.

He printed out the alignment results, the toe for the rear 2 wheels are off. The spec is 0 to .16, middle is .08, the reading is -.23 on both, the total toe is -.46.

I had the car checked with 2 other shops later, both the techs informed me that the bolt head was badly rounded off. They said the tech worked on my alignment didn't use the right socket and rachet and didn't turn it with care, that caused the slip I saw and damaged the bolt. Basically, there is nothing can be done but to replace the whole lower control arm. But neither one is willing to touch it.

I went back to the shop that did the alignment. I requested that they fix it or pay for the repair because the tech damaged the bolt and I saw it. The manager and tech just denied everything and blamed that my car is too old. They said there is nothing they can do and of course they refused to pay for the repair either.

My car although is drivable, but knowing the toe is off so much, I want to align it. But the 2 shops I went is not willing to touch it, the original shop refused to take responsiblity, I am kind of stranded.

Help!! What should I do? What can I do to make the first shop take responsibility and fix my car? Thanks a lot.

[jeffcoslacker]

I doubt they'll fix it, it just happens that way sometimes. I hope they didn't charge you for the alignment.

Best you can hope for is maybe if you get the part, they'll eat the labor or something like that....good luck.

[jeffcoslacker]

Another "hint" that might help in the future, if not now....most chain stores put the guy with the LEAST experience on the alignment rack. They want them to gain a good familiarity with the different types of setups and the relationship of the parts to each other.

Therefore, you also run the risk of getting the guy who'll use a 12 point socket to try to break a stubborn rusty cambolt, too.

I use shops that specialize in suspension and alignment, actually the guy I use is a one-man shop, and he's been doing it for thirty five years and has the best equipment...oddly, he's also the cheapest around.

Must be from not having to deal with comebacks and lawsuits for doing stupid things....

[AccordCodger]

and he's been doing it for thirty five years

Yeah - I know what you mean. Been there, done that. But then the guy has the downright nerve to retire (or, worse, die) and I have to start over.