SS MAYFLOAT
Admiral
- Joined
- May 17, 2001
- Messages
- 6,372
A month ago I dropped my van off at Pep Boys to have a Tune-up, front alignment,new tires, and to fix a belt squeal noise. The Belt Squeal is the main reason I took it in. In the process they told me I needed new brake pads. I said fine, but don't change the rotors, because they are less than a year old (on their computer) and should be fine. Remind you that I had no brake problems at all prior to this service call. This van is a E250 w/300-6 cyl. Well, the van still cranks awhile (10-15 secs) prior to starting (so that didn't get fixed) The new tires (what can go wrong here) was okay. The engine noise they said was the belt tensioner pulley bearings. They said it would be a week to get in and 3 hours to change. I told them that I'll live with the noise longer. This is my work truck, being a service tech for Americas leading resturant chain servicing 9 stores, it keeps me busy 24/7. I can't be without my truck. You all gota have your fries, shakes, and burgers when you order them, and expect the fast service. So when something breaks, I gota be there for the repair. So this first time in the shop, they had it for 2 work days plus the weekend. Picked it up, I know the noise was going to be there. Performance was as before which was fine, but just 3 hours after picking it up, started pulling hard right. Took it back in, they broke the right side brake line and said it had collapsed and needed replaced anyway. So they replace both brake lines, another 3 day workweek wait. Later that day it started pulling to the left. Returned next day, caliper bad, they had it in stock so I only had a 2 hour delay that day. Next day it started pulling to the right again. Called them a said a few very select words on their ability to trouble shoot problems. By the way, I put on a brand new tensioner assembly direct from Ford. It is the power steering pump that is bad. So that is another trouble shooting job that they failed to be correct on. They told me to bring it in again to fix the pulling problem. Took it in and of course they told me it was the right caliper. I told them no! I told them it can't be that there has to be something else that is bad and that I didn't think the hoses were bad, the rotors, and the calipers. I asked them, I guess if that caliper dosen't fix it, it will be the master cylinder, and if that isn't it, the only thing is left is the brake pedal! and you would probably replace it to. <br />After this ordeal, I told them that is it. I have had problems with tire/rim rotation with snow tires (Put snow tires on front of rear wheel drive van?), they caved in the rockers on my 72 Bradley GT, kinked radiator hose that caused an overheat problem, warped brand new rotors on my wifes Intrepid, and messed up my boat motor that they ordered for me. It takes only 2 weeks normal delievery to get a rebuilt motor in. After 3 weeks, I asked them for a status, it was not ordered! I was 
Still April so no big deal. 3 weeks later-status factory lost the order, 2weeks they call and said they confirmation on it being shipped. Another week. It arrives, load it up, get home, son asks why does it say Chevy 350 TRUCK engine? Ah S--t! not again! Called, manager says it will work, I said no It won't. He assured me it was okay. So I unwrap a begin to prep. Phone rings 20 min. later, DON'T Install that engine. So I load it up, Had to wait for them to receive the engine at the factory before sending out my marine engine. Another week, confirmation that Recon rec'vd engine. They projected that the engine would be ready to ship in 10 days. At this point I'm in tears. I have plans every year to attend the Xmas in July party on the lake nearby. I finally got my correct engine just after the 4th of July. And then the front freeze out plug on the front of the block leaked due to a gouge that was created with a chisel when they removed it. Pep boys did GIVE me a rubber expanison plug that did work fine plus a written statement that they would be responsible for any damage due to the expansion plug failing. But it took almost 3 months to get what I ordered.<br />Needless to say, I am no longer a patron of Pep Boys.<br />So to shorten this up, My question is this "Is there a proportion control valve in the brake system that balances pressure to the calipers? Because, one day it will pull to the right, next day it will pull to the left. And sometimes it will switch throughout the day. If it is, then this has been the culprit the whole time, and has cost over $2K.<br />Has anyone else had problems with Pep Boys? I just enjoy being Thanks
Still April so no big deal. 3 weeks later-status factory lost the order, 2weeks they call and said they confirmation on it being shipped. Another week. It arrives, load it up, get home, son asks why does it say Chevy 350 TRUCK engine? Ah S--t! not again! Called, manager says it will work, I said no It won't. He assured me it was okay. So I unwrap a begin to prep. Phone rings 20 min. later, DON'T Install that engine. So I load it up, Had to wait for them to receive the engine at the factory before sending out my marine engine. Another week, confirmation that Recon rec'vd engine. They projected that the engine would be ready to ship in 10 days. At this point I'm in tears. I have plans every year to attend the Xmas in July party on the lake nearby. I finally got my correct engine just after the 4th of July. And then the front freeze out plug on the front of the block leaked due to a gouge that was created with a chisel when they removed it. Pep boys did GIVE me a rubber expanison plug that did work fine plus a written statement that they would be responsible for any damage due to the expansion plug failing. But it took almost 3 months to get what I ordered.<br />Needless to say, I am no longer a patron of Pep Boys.<br />So to shorten this up, My question is this "Is there a proportion control valve in the brake system that balances pressure to the calipers? Because, one day it will pull to the right, next day it will pull to the left. And sometimes it will switch throughout the day. If it is, then this has been the culprit the whole time, and has cost over $2K.<br />Has anyone else had problems with Pep Boys? I just enjoy being Thanks