Does this seem fair?

[Pete_m]

Now before naming any work shops.

On Christmas eve my serpentine belt tensioner sheared the bolt and broke off, this is 5000kms after the one before broke through the casting after 2500kms. The original lasted the normal 80,000km. So now sitting at 2 in 8000ks.

Now because the car doesn't do many km a year, the 5000kms puts it past the 1 year warrenty and therefore i need to pay for the new tensioner (360 plus a tow fee), install will be free.

They did admit that they found they were breaking so now use genuine ones, and have done for the last year. But it seems that does really help me now and will end up about $500 out of pocket for something i paid to be replaced 8000kms ago and should be good for 80k plus.

Whats your thoughts?



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[chris0375]

I assume the workshop supplied the parts? They aren't of reasonable quality. Any reasonable consumer would expect them to last longer than 12 months. The 12 month warranty is in addition to your rights under consumer law. Ask for a refund since it is a major fault. You can also claim reasonable costs. Ie tow truck and labour to replace. Replace with oem.

A mechanic who knows what they are doing could probably replace it in 30 minutes so don't feel like they are doing you a big favour with free labour.

[Pete_m]

Yeah they have supplied both broken tensioners.

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[rustynuts]

If something else is not perfect that goes round and round on the front of your engine, it can trash belt tensioners.

[MidnightMods]

Sounds like they used a Crown serpentine tensioner (about $110 bucks worth, and has a life span of around 5000km) which is why it broke. Considering a genuine unit is under $300 posted from me with a replacement bolt, they should be replacing it at their costs. even if its a year old or not, they know they are using a rubbish part...


I can supply a Genuine VM serpentine tensioner and may have someone who could change it for you in perth (if you are close) or cheap or some beer.
I can also give you phone support so you can change it yourself.

I will also donate a brand new crown unit to you to help you out, (just cover the cost of postage) but I strongly suggest not to use a crown unit, as before it will break again... but it will get you out of trouble in the short term. Pm me if you need any more help

[bjm]

To put it in simple terms the dealer is liable for repairs to your vehicle. Or give you a full refund plus towing fees etc. They have admitted that the tensioners units are /were faulty. Go back and demand repairs to be done at their cost. Note all discussions, phone calls etc in case you have to take it to your states consumer affairs. Note what Chris0375 said.

[Pete_m]

Tensioner has been replaced, although still cost me a bit. Just wanted the car back on the road after 3 weeks

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