So last week I got new tires, 2 lower control arms, serpentine belt, axle shafts installed. Paid $6K.

Saturday I am driving at 5 mph and I felt something under the car. Thought I had driven over a cone or something. Then I hear a cracking sound. Stop the car. The left front tire is rubbing against the front bumper. Bumper cracks in 5 spots! Had it towed to the mechanic today. Took a couple of pics last nite.
Tow driver said it looked like a bolt came out loose somewhere. Mechanic called me and told me that front air strut collapsed and when that does the bolt pops out. Is this correct? Like advise. Any help appreciated. Wish I could add more pics. To me, and I could be wrong, it seems too coincidental to me that the mechanic might have forgotten to put a correct part on the car. Surely Bentley would not design a car that if the strut collapsed, that the tire would be loose and could rip the car apart? I did not hear or feel any drop in the car. As the pic shows, the bolt seems to be out! But the air strut is still attached. The left front tire was about 10 inches forward to where it normally is. The part that is loose in the pic is new and I think it is one of the parts that was replaced on Friday....

The mechanic Says I need a new bumper now and 2 air shocks. Does this seem right? I don't might someone making a mistake, but own up and I'll still pay. Just don't want anyone making a fool out of me. Just would like honest advice and opinion. To me if a strut collapsed, it would not cause the tire to go forward and hit the bumper would it? I typically drive over 100mph and the thought scares me now that this could happen.


Thanks in advance


Remy

 

I hate to say this but, what your mechanic said sounds like utter bull5hit too me.
On a car that can do 200 MPH do you really think that that would happen? You would have a serious accident with no doubt.
I suspect that whoever carried out the work has missed something.
Is your mechanic a main dealer or a Bentley trained Indy?

My sympathies for your pain and damage to your ride too.

Les.

 

I have just had a look at AETIS for you. I have a feeling that the bolt that has come through the bush should have a washer or different type of nut with combined washer so as to prevent it doing what it has.

I could of course be wrong, but like I said, these cars can do 200MPH.

I'm sure another forum member will be along soon.

Les.

 

Hello Dulay,



EDIT: PLEASE CHECK THE OTHER SIDE BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN !!

First off, your mechanic is 100% full of you know what, those are outright lies he told you, the fact of the matter is that the installer used the improper retaining nut to hold the lower control arm assembly that he replaced together, the installer was to use a flange nut, no ans, ifs, or but's about it, he used the wrong nut, the nut itself slid right through the hole because it dose not have the wide flange base, and everything else he said is pure garbage, the installer and shop are 100% responsible for all your damage, no question about it.


Just a note, if he used after market parts then as can be seen searching online they are shipped with the improper nut, but that is not your responsibility, unless you supplied the parts, which I am thinking you did not, BUT either way the installer should have seen that he used the wrong unflanged nut.


I have to say, I would be irate, and thank God you were not at high speed and suffered bodily injury or worse.....


Johnny J J

 

OEM nut with flange.

 

I truly appreciate the answers here.


ExSF, I do count my lucky stars that I was not travelling at my usual 100 MPH but rather only 5 MPH when this happened.


Johnny Hotspur GT....I was just thinking the same thing that I should check the other side too! I understand that people make mistakes but he did not realize I had pics and I am just saddened that he went this route of blaming the air strut for this.... It just did not make sense to me that the strut would fail and a tire would come loose???? I understand that an air strut can fail but the car should just lower instead. This guy was highly recommended on this site that is why I used him. I paid him the money he wanted and today he sent me a quote for $5100 to fix... $2300 for 2 air shocks, $1400 for a used bumper, $300 to replace shocks, $900 to remove and replace and finish bumper.
I think I should have it towed to the Bentley dealership now. Sickens me that people can charge money, mess up and then not take ownership.
We own a dental practice... stuff happens and if you mess up you refund the money and work with the patient and keep a happy person for life! VERY upset at this.


But I do appreciate the help I got on this site. I had a feeling I was being jerked around.


Thanks

Remy

 

Remy,


I for one think his name of business should be mentioned here as to warn others mostly because of his deceptive actions, yes a mistake is one thing, he should own up to it, But to then outright lie and place blame on other components when it is plain as day that he is the cause of the failure is down right disgusting giving the nature of the damage and what could have been a tragic event, he should be apologizing and thanking God that you are okay, and he should be putting all damage through his insurance covering you 100%, Or you take it to Bentley and send him the bill through the court system if he does not stand behind his work, But I believe you first have to give him the option to repair said damage at no cost to you, but also you have the right to be satisfied with said repair and not end up with a sorry to say half-assed repair on the damage he caused....


Also were the parts to be OEM, at $6000.00 and not knowing the cost of tires I would still think so, but looking at the pictures and the wrong nut, they may be aftermarket.....


Also please see my latest PM to you.


Johnny J J

 

Holly smoke!

Thank god your okay and no one was hurt!

A failed strut would just cause your car to sink and bottom out, no way would any bolt pop off or come loose. If your struts did fail your car would not be sitting that high and probably have zero fender gap.

Just looking at your photos one can easily tell the wrong nut was used pure and simple. I'm not too sure what that plastic cover is as it should be metal on metal, maybe there were some changes in the model years. Attached photo shows a normal lower control arm ball joint and washer.

To protect the safety and lives of other owners I think you should name and shame the establishment. High services charges we can live for proper work but not deception and taking more of your money for their mistakes.

J

 

IMHO they either fix your car at no charge or it may be time to lawyer up. That service facility should be very happy that no one got hurt, as the liability is HUGE!

 

Agreed with what everyone else is saying. I've attached a photo of what a blown air spring looks like. The wheel is much more centered in the wheel well.

 

Hello Remy,
So how did this turn out, I know it's all fixed, but how and by who, did the shop stand behind their work ???


Also I sent you a response to PM, and yes I am interested, so please contact me.


Johnny J J

 

i join the chorus -who is the repair shop and where are they located?? i live in miami and certainly don't want to use them

 

....what an unfortunate experience...now that a year has gone by, could you advise us the outcome...I'm sure you went back to the shop armed with excellent information you got here especially from Johnny...what was their story then...when they realized you were on to them...bet they did the repair, fearing law suit...as appreciation to the forum, it would be good for you to bring everything up to date, including name of shop...JimB