Rip off
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: suffolk,england
Rip off
I need a seal replacing in the power steering hose on my C2 cab,I have been told that it is a 15 min job,My local porsche specialist want to charge £150 to do the job,Bearing in mind the seal costs pence and they charge £30 per hour,sounds like a bloody rip of to me,how typicals is that mention the word Porsche and a repair figure is plucked out of the air.
Cheers
Paul
90 C2 cab low,loud and wide
Cheers
Paul
90 C2 cab low,loud and wide
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 25
From: colchester UK
Paul, try giving Autostrasse a ring, I know they are in Colchester, but the guys come recomended by a variety of sources. Porsche specialists though not OPC so costs do come down a fraction.
Autostrasse Coggeshall Essex Tel : 01376 562922
Kevin
Autostrasse Coggeshall Essex Tel : 01376 562922
Kevin
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: Seattle WA USA
Power steering hoses on Porsche 964s rarely leak, with one exception (see text).
Usually 964 power steering systems leak at the drive pulley seal on the right camshaft. Replacing this seal is not a "15 minute job"
Replacing the power steering hose from the reservoir to the pump is a 15 minute job.
As you have only "heard" that it is a "15 minute job", do not know which part requires replacing and cannot actually provide proof that the estimate for the job is a "rip off" you are only providing the other posters of your ignorance of Porsche.
Not suprisingly, I work at a Porsche repair shop.
Usually 964 power steering systems leak at the drive pulley seal on the right camshaft. Replacing this seal is not a "15 minute job"
Replacing the power steering hose from the reservoir to the pump is a 15 minute job.
As you have only "heard" that it is a "15 minute job", do not know which part requires replacing and cannot actually provide proof that the estimate for the job is a "rip off" you are only providing the other posters of your ignorance of Porsche.
Not suprisingly, I work at a Porsche repair shop.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: suffolk,england
GMS, You have chosen the right type of car to repair, the word Porsche technically means "Mr Porsche repair man rip me off" Owners of older Porsches are being Ripped off when it comes to repairs theres no doubt about it,as for the job in question are you telling me that it is a 41/2 hour job? cos thats what the labour charge is.
I dont work in a Porsche repair shop (to honest for that).
Paul
I dont work in a Porsche repair shop (to honest for that).
Paul
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY, USA
I'm having a difficult time sensing just where there would be a "seal" in any power steering hose. They are either clamped connections or hydraulic hose fittings. Methinks the mechanic mispoke.....or worse.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: Seattle WA USA
Yes, you are absolutely right, we chose to work on Porsche specifically so we can rip off the poor, oppressed Porsche owners.
I would suggest that firstly you grow-up. After that you should educate yourself about your vehicle, the things that go wrong and the various techniques required to repair it. In general Porsche repairs are similar in cost to BMW and MB.
These cars will never be cheap to repair. Labor costs per hour vary, so I don't know how much your problem will cost to repair (and as you still have not related what is the problem) but if you get several estimates (in writing) you can compare.
If it is the power steering pump seal and the engine is still in the car we charge around 3 hours to remove the parts, clean everything, replace the seal and o-ring on the case and refit all parts and renew the drive belt.
This varies as sometime more parts require removing to be able to get the casting (that supports the pump)off the engine.
We have a substantial investment in tools, manuals and test equipment dedicated for Porsche repair and we expect to make a reasonable return on that money. We have to pay (as does every other business) rent, taxes, employees etc and that costs money.
If you choose not understand about business costs and profitablity, continued investment and other costs I can't help you.
Of course, businesses have the right not to deal with potential customers that they feel will be a problem. Maybe that is what is happening in your case? The business to cutomer relationship is a two-way thing. We do many small adjustments and repairs for our regular customers at no charge, but we charge the real price for everything else. I expect you do in your business too.
I would suggest that firstly you grow-up. After that you should educate yourself about your vehicle, the things that go wrong and the various techniques required to repair it. In general Porsche repairs are similar in cost to BMW and MB.
These cars will never be cheap to repair. Labor costs per hour vary, so I don't know how much your problem will cost to repair (and as you still have not related what is the problem) but if you get several estimates (in writing) you can compare.
If it is the power steering pump seal and the engine is still in the car we charge around 3 hours to remove the parts, clean everything, replace the seal and o-ring on the case and refit all parts and renew the drive belt.
This varies as sometime more parts require removing to be able to get the casting (that supports the pump)off the engine.
We have a substantial investment in tools, manuals and test equipment dedicated for Porsche repair and we expect to make a reasonable return on that money. We have to pay (as does every other business) rent, taxes, employees etc and that costs money.
If you choose not understand about business costs and profitablity, continued investment and other costs I can't help you.
Of course, businesses have the right not to deal with potential customers that they feel will be a problem. Maybe that is what is happening in your case? The business to cutomer relationship is a two-way thing. We do many small adjustments and repairs for our regular customers at no charge, but we charge the real price for everything else. I expect you do in your business too.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 928
Likes: 86
From: Big Tree Country, CA
Dove-
GMS is right! The only seal that needs replacing, and it always eventually needs replacing, is a real bi*tch to get at. I do much of my own work and it took me many hours in very tight quarters to replace the seal and the associated o-ring... If I had a mechanic that would do the work for $225 I would let him do it and be glad...
-CKKrause
GMS is right! The only seal that needs replacing, and it always eventually needs replacing, is a real bi*tch to get at. I do much of my own work and it took me many hours in very tight quarters to replace the seal and the associated o-ring... If I had a mechanic that would do the work for $225 I would let him do it and be glad...
-CKKrause
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: suffolk,england
Hi CKKrause,
Thanks for the info,I was obviously given duff information about the job,I think I will let the specialist do the job after all.
But I do still think us owners of older Porsches are being ripped off!!!
cheers
Paul
Thanks for the info,I was obviously given duff information about the job,I think I will let the specialist do the job after all.
But I do still think us owners of older Porsches are being ripped off!!!
cheers
Paul
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again
Verdad Gallardo
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance
Joe Kucinski
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold
Verdad Gallardo
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Dear Dove,
I have been reading this with interest, I have tried OP garages and others and I have to say that OP charges great deal more than the others.
I do not think anybody will DISAGREE with that. Obviously, whether they are RIGHT to charge this amount is of course an ever lasting debate issue which I shall not comment.
My personal experience with power steering leaking problem was a simple one. I shall explain again and hope it will help others who may come across the similar problem. I found the red oil in the engine bay and after taking off the air-box, I discovered it was coming from the hose joining the power steering pump. It was a black hose about 2 feet long in an up side down u shape. I bled the system and took the hose out, found a crack on one end. I took it to the OP and bought a replacement( regretibly expensive, should check others first!). The chap in OP told me that they had many of this kind of hose problem as they are getting toward the end of their lives. ( That's what I was told!).
I put it back in, fill up with oil and that was almost 3 months ago and I still have a clean engine bay!.
Yes! It only took me 15 mintes working time. It worked!
I do not think we need strong words here, we all want to help and discusss matter sensibly. Stop calling people names and please try to understand eachother better!
Regards,
Eddie
I have been reading this with interest, I have tried OP garages and others and I have to say that OP charges great deal more than the others.
I do not think anybody will DISAGREE with that. Obviously, whether they are RIGHT to charge this amount is of course an ever lasting debate issue which I shall not comment.
My personal experience with power steering leaking problem was a simple one. I shall explain again and hope it will help others who may come across the similar problem. I found the red oil in the engine bay and after taking off the air-box, I discovered it was coming from the hose joining the power steering pump. It was a black hose about 2 feet long in an up side down u shape. I bled the system and took the hose out, found a crack on one end. I took it to the OP and bought a replacement( regretibly expensive, should check others first!). The chap in OP told me that they had many of this kind of hose problem as they are getting toward the end of their lives. ( That's what I was told!).
I put it back in, fill up with oil and that was almost 3 months ago and I still have a clean engine bay!.
Yes! It only took me 15 mintes working time. It worked!
I do not think we need strong words here, we all want to help and discusss matter sensibly. Stop calling people names and please try to understand eachother better!
Regards,
Eddie
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Sorry Dove,
later part of my last e-mail was for GMS and I think Irishdriver is right. Check out other garages first and comapre their prices. I have found myself a good mechanic who used to work in OP and now has his own garage, try someone like that. Some simple problem like the one I had, I am confidant enough to attemp myself knowing that the worst I could cause was a new hose which I am going to replace anyway. But onething you have to be sure is find out where the oil is coming from!
There are still fun doing small jobs for your Porsche, but I shall not go to any garage who rips you off!
Cheers!
Eddie
later part of my last e-mail was for GMS and I think Irishdriver is right. Check out other garages first and comapre their prices. I have found myself a good mechanic who used to work in OP and now has his own garage, try someone like that. Some simple problem like the one I had, I am confidant enough to attemp myself knowing that the worst I could cause was a new hose which I am going to replace anyway. But onething you have to be sure is find out where the oil is coming from!
There are still fun doing small jobs for your Porsche, but I shall not go to any garage who rips you off!
Cheers!
Eddie
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Dear Dove,
I checked with your post 18 dated 06-12-2003 at 04:28, you did tell me the oil was not red and it was not coming from the power steering pump.
I therefore say it was glossly unfair for you to use my quote of 15 minutes here! You are talking about a totally different job to the one I described to you early on June the 11th. Please check that carefully and I do not want to be accused of something I did not say.
Eddie
I checked with your post 18 dated 06-12-2003 at 04:28, you did tell me the oil was not red and it was not coming from the power steering pump.
I therefore say it was glossly unfair for you to use my quote of 15 minutes here! You are talking about a totally different job to the one I described to you early on June the 11th. Please check that carefully and I do not want to be accused of something I did not say.
Eddie
