Inspection Gone Way Wrong

[HilaryP]

A state inspector is forcing a garage to re-inspect my 1994 Mazda B-3000. The state begins with the letter P.

Less than two months ago, my truck passed a AAA courtesy 40-point safety check. The "inspection" two days ago at the non-AAA garage said--Right Front Wheel Bearing; Right Rear Wheel Cylinder; rear "drums and shoes"; slight leak in manifold; leaking power steering fluid lines. Bad leaf springs. FAIL.

I drive the truck less than 5,000 miles per year, like an old lady because I'm close to being one. I had every brake-related thing (I do mean every) done over in '09; I am not a hard braker, and I do not drive over 45 unless I am on in the interstate, where I drive 55. I know from the over-55 shimmy that the front end is badly out of alignment. I know this truck is not in the best of health, but I did not expect a FAIL.

This is a solo garage that caters to a small community college crowd. I found it on the internet because I'm new in the neighborhood. I wanted to give a local guy my business, but I'm not a young coed or kid he can hang with. When I asked him to explain what would have to be done to pass the inspection, he hung up on me. Totally serious. He hung up a total of three times, saying he "didn't have the time," after calling me some pretty unusual names. The local police entered the picture because I was afraid to go to his garage to pay the bill, which is where the state inspector came in, and he agreed that there is a possibility no inspection was done at all.

I have to prepare myself to hear the inspector say that everything the guy says is right. If anyone could just give me a ballpark figure for not junking my beautiful truck, that I had body work done on just last year and that doesn't look at all like a '94, I mean ballpark for rural Pennsylvania, not a big city, I would be so grateful. Thank you.

 

[jimmyess333]

I had a similar experience in West Chester PA about 10 years ago and a few lesser ones closer to Philly.
I've switched inspection places nearly every year because nearly every one has tried to rip me off one way or another.

Now, looking at the list you give it's very possible that all these things could be wrong with a truck that age. The springs sound a little far fetched unless you do some heavy hauling.
You said the rear brake system was totally redone a year ago?..including drums?
Check your receipt for the work and see if all the parts mentioned were previously replaced, drums wheel cylinders, and shoes. If was just a complete brake service they may have only cleaned and adjusted everything, replacing only what was broken or worn. If that's the case then the items listed could have been ok then but not now. I would pull the drums yourself and visually check everything.
You can also visually check the steering lines.
As for the manifold leak, do you have a check engine light on? You'd think that would trip the light and if it didn't, why would he be messing with that anyway?
When were the front bearings changed last? If it's been a few years or you don't know I would just throw a set in. They are cheap and easy to do.
Lastly, you can check the leaf springs yourself too. If all the clamps are present, the front spring eye and the rear shackle look good, and the arch is still there then he is full of BS.

 

[HilaryP]

Thank you JimmyEss. Okay, the inspector came, and he said the Rear Wheel Cylinder was leaking and the shackles are bad. He said that he was there only to make sure that the mechanic did what state law required him to do, and that "It was his call."

I asked him if it was "borderline" or catastrophic. He said that he would have failed it too based on the rear wheel cylinder and the shackles. (The funny thing is I'm a 54-year-old lady who doesn't haul anything except a spare tire...I mean in the truck bed

He really sort of said the wheel cylinder was the "thing," if you know what I mean. Plus the shackles. So, first--thanks and God bless for responding--and second, if you or anyone could tell me a ballpark figure for a wheel cylinder and a shackle (do you have to have a lot of shackles?), I would be very grateful. And also a front wheel bearing, because I think that would be a good idea. Thank you.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Wheel cylinder, I googled and got this;
http://repairpal.com/brake-wheel-cylinder-replacement
Spring shackle replacement, my own experience;
shackle and bolts ~ C$30.00 to $50.00
Labor ~ 1/2 hour to 3 hours depending on how rusted/seized the bolts are.
Wheel bearings;
http://repairpal.com/estimator/results
Good luck,

Richard

 

[Shran]

Sounds like you have some fairly major issues with it. The shackles are part of your rear suspension. You have two of them and it is very common for them to rust away and break. If they're that bad, I'm sure your spring hangers are probably shot too.

You should definitely have the wheel bearings and wheel cylinder replaced ASAP if they're bad. For the wheel bearings I'd have both sides checked and repacked while you're at it, if one side is bad then the other should at least be looked at.

 

[feellnfroggy]

WHEEL CYlinder is cheap at the auto parts stoe, but not easy to install. Labor is what will get ya, as far as shackles they are 30 bux at the parts store too. If he said the Cylinder was the 'thing' get it fixed and go back for inspection see if the shackle will slide.

 

[modelageek]

A state inspector is forcing a garage to re-inspect my 1994 Mazda B-3000. The state begins with the letter P.

Less than two months ago, my truck passed a AAA courtesy 40-point safety check. The "inspection" two days ago at the non-AAA garage said--Right Front Wheel Bearing; Right Rear Wheel Cylinder; rear "drums and shoes"; slight leak in manifold; leaking power steering fluid lines. Bad leaf springs. FAIL.

I agree with most of what has already been said,.......the manifold leak and most likely the power steering are just BS...........however i hate finding myself on the side of the government..........a leaky wheel cylinder, bad wheel bearings and hangers and shackles are a safety issue and should be addressed....

as far as costs..........

hangers and shackles delviered to your door $80 (2) of each
wheel bearings delivered to your door $40 (4)
wheel cylinders $20 (2)



I cant remember exactly but I think it took me 4 or 5 hours to do the hangers and shackles.....I did it in my driveway and I took the bed off.....

wheel bearings might take me a hour each and that would be replacing pads and cleaning up

wheel cylinders.the lines could be rusty.......it would depend

obviously the pros with all the equipment do it faster...


*also you can order stuff online from advanced auto and you get a discount.....when you spend over $75 they deliver it free or you can pick it up at the store..........I bought $200 worth of stuff last week and paid $150....i picked it up at the store......

 

[HilaryP]

Thanks to all you guys! I do not want to be a safety hazard to anyone else or to myself, and so these answers really help give me some perspective.

So virtual beers for everyone, and happy holidays!