Approx cost of replacing steering cable in 17 Mako center console

crazy charlie

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Just had my Mako in for a steering cable replacement and reverse issue Was charged an arm and a leg but was satisfied to pay if both issues were resolved.Mechanic did not fix reverse issue as he assured me he did ,once before I left work to go and pickup boat and assured me again just before I paid him.I am going to dispute the payment a nd would like to know the approx. cost of replacing the steering cable.He did only half of what I paid him for and am willing to pay for that.The motor had to be taked off according to him though I am pretty certain that only the bolts were loosened to change the angle of the motor for the cable alignment. He also had some wiriing issues that were a result of him pulling the old cable out and the new cable through.He said he had to fix wiring on lights and bilge pumps and that is partly why the bill was so high,HOWEVER all WERE WORKING 100% WHEN I BROUGH THE BOAT TO HIM.Took the boat back and he was now talking an entire new job for the reverse issue .I took my boat to someone else that I had more trust in.Charlie
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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Gee, look up the cost of the new steering cable. Most of the time he will need to replace the pinion as well as the steering hub. I would figure a couple of hours labor plus the retail cost of the steering cable parts. Maybe $300 - $350?

The wiring screw up should be his problem, I would think. There is no known connection between the steering cable and the wiring. Now I wrap some wiring around the steering rack, for convenience, but that is my choice.
 

crazy charlie

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I was being generous at assuming $500 was more than fair since the helm was good and didnt need replacing.Wiring was because there is such a small tube to snake the cable thru and there are a lot of wires going thru it and YES I would assume that is on him if he needs to correct something that he crewed up.I noticed some rusty metal filings that fell onto the motor leg so I assume he drilled out the steering tube.I dont recall that being a common practice and since the steering was lubed and moving freely I dont know why??
 

F_R

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I disagree. That stuff is crammed into a tube or channel on a center console, and he had no control over what happened as he pulled the cable out. It was not his fault or neglect. Stuff happens.
 

F_R

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On the other hand, if he HAD given you a price quote on the cable replacement, he would be obligated to do it at that price. But you can bet he would have covered his butt with a price high enough to cover "stuff" whether it happened or not..
 

crazy charlie

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that part does not bother me that much .My frustration and concern is more where he assured me he had taken care of my reverse problem and charged me for it and I still had no reverse.Charlie
 

F_R

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I understand your frustration. I hope you two can work it out between yourselves. If he is a legitimate businessman, he will want to make it right (by fixing it). If it were me, I would--even if it cost me..
 

crazy charlie

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Not going to work it out with him.I just wanted my boat out of his hands and to someone more trustworthy.He was looking to do a gearcase replacement on top of his already obscene bill.I will let American express work it out.He will get paid for what he did fix and not get paid for what he didn't fix.
 

crazy charlie

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Too much bashing to let the post stand. Sorry, Charlie.

Mod Team
 
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crazy charlie

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The intent of my reply was to update issues ,make a point and minimally bash that's why I gave credit where credit was due.Can u email me my reply so I can read it and tweak it down to being acceptable.thanks Charlie
 
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