Ok heres the deal,

I took my X Fire in for a oil change about 2 months ago. Then all of a sudden the oil light came on. They topped the oil off and the light has gone away. Then the car started leaking order about 4 days later out of the bottom and accumulating on the bottom of the car. It made a huge mess in my drive way. Then after that happened I took it back once more and was irrate. They claimed it was just a bit of an overfill and that it should go away. They were right it doesnt leak anymore.

Fast Forward one Month -

Yesterday I took the car to goodyear for them to mount a new back left tire. They apparently saw the oil on the bottom of the car. Then the old phone call technique was in place. They called and said that my seal was broken and it was still leaking oil, the oil ruined my belt, and is "ruining" my engine. They claimed they needed a new seal for 140.00, new belt for 300.00, new belt tension ring or some crap for 200.00, and finally labor costs of 100.00. The total quoted for the alleged issue for 740.00. Here are my questions for you.

1. Why the heck did they open the engine for a tire mount? Were they looking for issues just because they saw oil on the bottom of the car?
2. Is this a common problem and could they be telling the truth?
3. What are the prices normally for replacing a belt?
4. Can you give me part numbers or sources to search for them?
5. Where should I go to get a second opinion and will they charge me a butt load?
6. The car passed emmissions only 3 weeks ago.

Please help an ignorant car owner.

Thanks,

Ryan

 

I thing they are feeding you a BIG line.. The belt is about $55. The belt tensioner should not be affected by getting any oil on it. It didnt hurt mine when I blew out out the dipstick tube. It is just a spring arm mechanism with a pulley on it. Not sure what 'seal' they are talking about unless it is the oil pan gasket.

Tell them to fly a kite and find yourself a good auto shop.

MikeR

 

I agree with Mike, they're full of crap.