I brought my 2000 C5 Chevrolet to my local dealer on 10/10/2011 for a squeaking belt problem. They informed me that I needed a new harmonic balancer since mine had a significant wobble. I let them do it and paid the hefty price. Ever since then, by harmonic balancer has continued to wobble, albeit slightly less than before. The belt squeaking however, has continued from that day. Since then, I have replaced both tensioners (AC and Main Drive), as well as both pulley's and put two new Gatorback belts on it. Even after all of that, the squeaking continued. Yesterday I got tired of hearing the belt squeak and took it to a local (non-GM dealer) mechanic who only works on C5's. He informed me that the harmonic balancer needed replacement. After I told him that I just paid Chevrolet to replace it on 10/10/2011, he told me with complete confidence that my harmonic balancer had NEVER been replaced and that the one on the vehicle was the original one that came with the car. So I called GM customer service (not the dealer) and explained the situation. They would like me to 1.) take it back to the original dealer that ripped me off and 2.) pay them $54 to evaluate it. When I refused to pay anything, they "elevated it" and said I would receive a call back in 24 hours.

So I need some advise on the following:

1.) Do I really need to pay anything? Sheeze, I never paid for an evaluation when I originally brought it to them.
2.) Do I really need to bring it back to the GM dealer that ripped me off in the first place? Seems like a conflict of interest as there is no way they would confirm that they ripped me off.
3.) At this point, I will not be satisfied with simply replacing my harmonic balancer. I want the dealership to pay for ripping me off. What are my options?

I am sooo

Thanks in advance.

 

If you want anything other than them fixing the problem, you will need to go to court.

 

TAKE THEM TO COURT! If you have PROOF POSITIVE that they did NOT replace the damper,, you have a case and will win. TAKE PICTURES! Lots of pictures. Rust and dirt and anything that can prove that the work was NOT actually completed.

IF,,,,,,,,, they actually did not do the work,, call the local TV News stations and see if they want to cover it. We have a NEWS 3 on your side segment that goes for the juggler on corrupt or dishonest places of business.

Car STEALERSHIPS DO NOT want bad publicity.

On a different note,,, I STRONGLY recommend the following

- Names, dates and time of any meeting and write down what was discussed!
- ALWAYS be level headed and NON THREATING. NO CURSING!
- Present FACTS and do not speculate.
- Ask for the OLD PART!
- Get the name and qualifications of the mechanic that supposedly did the repair.
NO! You should NOT have to pay for a reevaluation of the repair. I would have refused also. Especially if you have proof it wasn’t replaced!!

The damper bolt that secures the damper to the crank is a MANDATORY REPLACEMENT ITEM so it will be or should be shiny and new!!! You can see that bolt from under the car on a lift or jack stands. TAKE PICTURES!

Please let us know how this unfolds and how you make out!!

Oh,,,,, by the way, you spelled it totally wrong.. Its STEALERSHIP!

 

And show US the pictures!

Ron

 

Tough lesson learned. If you must go to any shop, always demand to see the old/bad parts.

 

Welcome to the new gM business model - all the efficiency and customer service qualities of the DMV.

 

This was all really great advise. I took lots of pictures and videos today. I'll definitely let you know how it all turns out.

 

Post those pics, you have the real experts here.

 

What he said ^^^^