I own a 00 chevy mailbu, i took it to the shop to have an alternator put on it, and to have it checked b/c the check engine light was on. When we got it back from the shop, it was driving weird, so i called the next morning to get it back in. The mechanic told me that the trailing arm was bent. He also said that it was because i hit a pothole. I didn't, that i remember, i mean i am sure that i can't miss every single one, but i was told by another mechanic that it had to be a monsterous size pothole to do this to my car. My husband, and one other mechanic said that it was likely that the shop bent it by having it positioned on the hoist wrong. Which seems more likely? any help would be great! Thanks.
Ok, i use to owen a Chevy Malibu 00 also that is and well i did not have much problems with it. But well i am unsure though i mean if it was driving nice before you took it in and well all that was wrong when you said. maybe he took it out for a spin trying to see that everything was working correctly and well did it him self... well i mean not saying nothing because that will cost him his job, because to tell you the truth you hit something that big i think that you would remember. but i mean i am sorry i can not be more help i wish you the best hun
hoist sound Right! Why were they Putting it on a Hoist for an Alternator Check Engine Light? If your Husband and those Mechanics look close at it they should be able to see the Marks from the Hoist Arms then take them to Small Calms Court Don't Let them get away with it!
wwwhhhaaaatttt?? id be pissed. you know that idiot did it. theres absolutly no way youd hit a pot hole big enough that it bends the arm and you dont realize it. Idiot put it on the lift for his undercar inspection and bent the $hit out of it. It was driving weird as soon as you took it from the shop correct? and it didnt do it before you took it to the shop correct? Possibly but this is Possibly...look for paint(most are yellow) on the arm. some may have scratched off the hoist. Most is already scratched off but its worth a shot.
Alternators are readily accessible on a Malibu, I believe. Double check that. I doubt it would have been hoisted for that. That's the only way the mechanic could have done it, unless he purposely sabotoged your car. Alternator is in the engine compartment...trailing arms are on the axles/frame. ADDENDUM: Thanks for clearing that up, I understand now why he had it on a hoist. I wouldn't rule out a pothole--potholes have been known to break torsion bars on full size trucks. Those who know automobiles know that those are some of the strongest metal rods imaginable. It is possible to break a trailing arm on one. Remember, too, that you are legally entitled to all of the damaged parts removed from your car to be replaced. Get the junk trailing arm if possible and that should contain your answer. If you are pretty confident they're guilty, take them to small claims court--it's free.
Have another shop inspect the trailing arm for signs that it was lifted on a hoist...scratches, paint transfer, etc...take pics of it.
