Ever seen an eccentric strut bolt snap? (other cars)

[justbob]

I had the 97 escort in for an alignment over the summer and to correct it Firestone said they needed to use eccentric bolts. It wasn't driveable in the rain or snow because of the way it was, so I paid their OBNOXIOUS price and carried on.

I seen this bolt in the driveway right next to one of the kids bikes and figured it was snapped off a bike? I was tired, didn't care, and off to work. We had less than an inch of snow last night and I did everything I could to keep the car straight! It kept turning left and right on me?? I finally turned it around and headed back home SLOWLY:eek:. By the time I get home to load my tools in the Rauder, my steering wheel is now over 90 degrees off!

Yup, it was the bolt I found... How could this happen? Too much torque from their air gun prematurely cracking the head off?? Calling them tomorrow!

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn19/marauding4life/Decorated%20images/0124112009.jpg

[WI Fordguy]

I've had that happen to a car I worked on too. Customer also found it laying on the floor in their garage. To answer your question... yes they gunned in on too tight. I always use hand tools to install those bolts now. I would personally prefer to use slightly undersized grade 8 bolts, but can't fight company policy. Put a bolt back in there and take it back to them for a free alignment.

[Blackened300a]

Over tightened. There is a torque spec which is just enough to hold it tight. Most of the time they would use a locking nut for that reason.

[justbob]

I've had that happen to a car I worked on too. Customer also found it laying on the floor in their garage. To answer your question... yes they gunned in on too tight. I always use hand tools to install those bolts now. I would personally prefer to use slightly undersized grade 8 bolts, but can't fight company policy. Put a bolt back in there and take it back to them for a free alignment.
Thats where I have a problem with this. All my life I have been the nice guy and quite frankly is has gotten old. Normally I would do just what you said, but why? To save them the inconvieniance? If something like this would have happened when I turned wrenches, we would've bent over backwards to fix the mistake. I just don't feel that I should have to do diddly squat to get the car to them as I paid $255.00 for the alignment to begin with!. I surely hope that I don't have to recommend them paying for a tow, as this should be their first plan of action. This could have been a nasty way to start a Monday.

[Kodimar]

Justbob you are right. Tell them to pick the car up and fix it right this time.

[CBT]

Thats where I have a problem with this. All my life I have been the nice guy and quite frankly is has gotten old. Normally I would do just what you said, but why? To save them the inconvieniance? If something like this would have happened when I turned wrenches, we would've bent over backwards to fix the mistake. I just don't feel that I should have to do diddly squat to get the car to them as I paid $255.00 for the alignment to begin with!. I surely hope that I don't have to recommend them paying for a tow, as this should be their first plan of action. This could have been a nasty way to start a Monday.

Drive that sumbitch thru the front window and claim it was because of their broken bolt if they make you bring it to them.

[guspech750]

Holy s**t!!! Give them hell!!

[LANDY]

Bob, they should take care of it. not to mention it could have been worst,i would raise hell on the shop forman.
we get yelled for whey smaller things than that in the RV industry.

[Black_Noise]

its just a bolt, I have seen a couple suspesion bolts (eccentric and non) break when trying to do alignment, turns into a real PITA quick

[justbob]

Update. It appears that there is still shops that have the customer in mind! I called them at 6:30 this morning and they were very concerned and gave me the number for the towing service they use. I was polite about it, and they stepped up and got it handled. They are now back on my good list!