Bel Garage

[JUN`R32]

Ok guys,

I had a issue with my car stalling on idle and on going under 80kms

i replaced the fuel pump and AFM with a AFM from SSS parts

I advised bel exactly what was replaced and that the AFM was a used part from SSS

They kept the car for over 1 1/2 weeks chaning alternator which was playing up (this i knew as lights would go dim at times) also a circuit board in the dash.

the whole time they didnt know wat the go was, and tested everything to do with the electronics now they said they tested the AFM after this long and that the replacement one is playing up.

being mechanics and all i thought they would check the parts i replaced for safe measure, i received a quote for $650 for AFM part and replacement, also alternator and labour costs.

Your thoughts on this would be great, as i don't think $650 is something i want to pay for a damn AFM and alternator.

[N1GTR]

Considering buying a new ecu soon by any chance? If so, get one that doesnt require AFM's

[Michele]

I had the same thing happen with my GTR, stalling when you slowed down for corners, roundabouts etc so re-soldered the joins in the AFM's and all was fixed. Cost $0.

[rtune]

If you find the perfect garage that doesn't have a wait list to get in like a harley street

specialist and also doesn't charge a fortune, lemme know. I've heard nightmare stories

about half a dozen, and can relate with your story (your money wasted while they

learn on your car) at three different sydney tuners that I've tried. In the end I think

if you like the guy running the place you gotta give them a second chance as there is no

online resource where you can short-cut lottery involved in going to a new one by reading

a whole bunch of reviews.

So to dismiss bel and go

somewhere else, EVEN one recommended here by posters, you're rolling the dice again.

by the way, what did they say when you calmly explained that you don't feel like paying

for hours spent needlessly?

[__PhaseShiftDown]

Seems like its somthing simple that just got overlooked since you provided the AFM and they just assumed that it is a working one.

I've been to Bel once to get my 100k service done. Walked in with my parts in the morning and walked out in the afternoon all done. Rates were fixed in my case and there were no surprises.

I'm thinking taking my car there to get some mods done, but I would definitly ask for a fixed price if possible. Not just for bel, but for any workshop, but thats probabaly a hard ask especially there is troubleshooting involved.

[NISMO]

Seems like its somthing simple that just got overlooked since you provided the AFM and they just assumed that it is a working one.

I've been to Bel once to get my 100k service done. Walked in with my parts in the morning and walked out in the afternoon all done. Rates were fixed in my case and there were no surprises.

I'm thinking taking my car there to get some mods done, but I would definitly ask for a fixed price if possible. Not just for bel, but for any workshop, but thats probabaly a hard ask especially there is troubleshooting involved.

Exactly my experience with Bel. No complaints at all. They even did extra work and stuck with the original quote.

i thought they would check the parts i replaced for safe measure,

I think this is the key. Its not as if you asked specifically for them to do this and they didn't, you just thought they would.

The only advise i can give you is for things like that be very specific and ask them to do exactly that first. Then if they d!ck you around you've got a leg to stand on.

just my 2c

[JUN`R32]

i been going to bel for the past 3years, ive had a clutch installed, and 100k service and a few more mods, they have been pretty decent.

This time it just seems a little dodgy, ontop of that they charged me $150 4 weeks ago for the same issue, advising its getting to hot and to raise the bonnet, didn't fix the problem

so i think i have something to stand on to at least get the price down a little bit, , the $650 they quoted doesn't seem right for a AFM considering the diagnosis they done weeks ago and charge $150 without doing much.

I let them know the AFM is a used one from SSS parts, so check that.

Edited March 29, 2009 by JUN`R32

[NISMO]

How much did they charge you for the clutch out of curiosity? I need mine changed.

Have a chat to them. being a long term customer hopefully they'll be reasonable.

[JUN`R32]

Hopefully brian will be reasonable, which i think he should be

From memory it was near the $800 mark for install, (jim berry clutch)

[punisher6942]

well champ u gotta remember a new alternator itself isnt a cheap part to replace... i have been lookin around for a new one cuz mines playin up too, and all i have been hearing is nothing under $400 for new items so that in itself accounts for most of ur bill if thats how much theyre charging for it plus the AFM and labour..... but if it is a second hand alternator then itsa different story..... just my 2c

[JUN`R32]

true true,

if its a new alternator then it seems fine, also the AFM was $220 (who knows where they got it from, if its in good condition or just a used one from somewhere)

all goods ill prob pick it up today.

Thanks for all the input

[joc469]

Give Josh @ ProConcept a try. I've never had a problem, and he has been able to diagnose some of the strangest problems I've heard of.