Cory Tutaj

Review of Braeger Chevrolet

I bought my vehicle from this location before it w...

I bought my vehicle from this location before it was Lake Chevy. I recently had them change the oil. I decided for the next oil change, I would just change it myself. When crawling under the car, I was able to drain the oil from the plug and replace the oil plug, no problem. Next, I was to remove the oil filter. I wrap my hands around it and try to take it off. I am by no means a small person (6'3'' 275lbs). So I went to my trusty oil filter wrenches to try and remove it. The oil filter ripped but, did not turn. I pulled as much of the material away as possible to get a clear view of the most stable part of the filter, the lid. I tried to use a chisel to force it to move, it did not. So I decided to have it towed to this locate to have them assess it and remove it. My wife got a call stating it would be $1800, when she asked why, they told her the oil pan needed to be replaced and that meant removing suspension components and then having the vehicle re-aligned. After I heard this I called the same person she talked to and asked what needed to be done. I replied, "What suspension components need to be moved?" The representative seemed taken back and fumbled. I am sure they don't recall all conversations so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He told me he would put me on hold and look it up. When he came to the phone he said the steering rack needed to be moved in order to drop the oil pan. You don't have to know much about cars to know, that a steering rack is not part of any suspension. I also asked how they came to the conclusion the oil pan needed to be replaced, he replied they assessed the treads and couldn't get the filter lid off, which meant they were damaged. In order to see the threads you need to remove the item in questions. Unfortunately for them, I own the complete manual for this vehicle to break it down to the frame and build it back up. The oil pan job does not require any suspension to be removed, only the sway bar which is 4-6 bolts model dependent, one could argue it assist the suspension. They certainly lived up to the stigma of the name dealerships earn "Stealership". It appears they didn't try other methods that a mechanic should before just replacing parts. bend and cut it off maybe? I would certainly would have if I had a lift in my garage. The thread that holds the oil filter on can be re-tapped, replaced, which possibly means dropping the pan, I am not sure on this model, other models just require an allen key to to unscrew it. Rather displeased with customer service, either the tech was lying and trying to steal money, under trained or told to generate the most cost for a simple repair.

Update *** 7/10/20*** Had my truck towed to another shop. They were able to look at the torn filter, remove it. Took them literally 5 minutes to get the job done. I came back to the stealership as the service manager wanted to speak with me. I presented the evidence, asked a few question in relation to what they actually did. Got the same BS, handed the receipt from the other garage with the diagnosis and timestamps on how long it. The service manager didn't seem to care about the learning opportunity, so I will be going higher up the chain to make sure this opportunity doesn't go unseen for it's educational purpose. It's now clear to me where the problem lies.

The other garage was able to turn the stuck filter off, place a new one, add oil and noted no damage to the treads that hold the filter. The cost just under $89. This stealership tried to tell my wife and I it was going to $1800 to replace the oil pan and there was no other way to fix this issue.

Be aware, ask questions and do research.