Dealer Says “In the Red" ($700 Brake Job) GMC Yukon 5.3 6.2

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”Intro Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio”
Thanks to Jesse for making the intro and graphic for us to enjoy!!

[@kimkeam2094]

your honesty is the reason why you are so highly respected. The local customers are lucky to have you.

[@joelkist6493]

Absolutely

[@Slugg-O]

Have you seen his Google reviews! Sheesh! Santa doesn't even have a rating like that.

[@myronsherman8571]

Dont understand why you didn't burnish the brakes? They last half the time.

[@chuckd5819]

​@@myronsherman8571You apparantly didn't listen or watch the video.

[@minnesotaman3]

Also its the reason some customers travel thousands of miles to get his help. I think hes had people from Illinois i know for sure new york

Had an old washing machine that stopped working. Called a guy, he wanted to replace the motor for $150. He was not very convincing so we called another guy who said the electronics are at fault and need to be replaced for $130. Labor not included in either case. Decided to take it apart by myself. Found the brushes in the motor to be very worn. Got a new pair of brushes for $3, swapped them in, the thing worked for years without any issues.

[@wknight022]

Called Sears appliance to TS my Frigidaire refrigerator. Guy says it's the motherboard, gonna be $250, plus labor. I looked that evening and found the schematics....no motherboard shown. Just the defrost controller. Jumped out the freezer bulb sensor and the compressor came on. $120 for the remote bulb sensor, but not $250+.

[@eeassa]

Doesn't pass the sniff test. If you could change brushes on a washing machine motor you would have never called one, or let alone 2 companies/people to fix it for you.

@@eeassa understandable, so let me give some more context. I was still living with my parents in my 20s. The washing machine was theirs and they called the mechanics, I just followed the story loosely. When I heard about their diagnostics, I have decided to take it apart and see if I can find anything, because my father was on the verge of buying a new machine. I'm somewhat knowledgeable with electronics so I knew about brushes, but the thought didn't occur to me until I took it apart and saw them for myself.

[@brerobsym]

Been very very lucky with my mechanics over the years. Not once been upsold on anything that didn't need to be done, but have ALWAYS been told when something was on its way out. Always with enough time to prepare for the cost involved. This is how a good shop stays in business.

[@IR-nq4qv]

agreed. And when speaking with a not so mechanically inclined customer who is not into cars.., sometimes it's better to explain in relatable comparisons. The way things are worded is what's important. Instead of saying to a customer, your brake pads are worn 1.95 mm, it may as well be in French... it's easier to say they are worn down to the thickness of a nickel, it's much easier to grasp. People are typically fearful of what they don't understand. Other times if you tell a customer that their brakes are worn down 60%, as long as the vehicle still stops, the fool hardy will assume all is good, no brake job necessary for another 40 thousand miles.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@IR-nq4qv Just like tire tread wear. 2/32" is meaningless to most people, but the penny test makes intuitive test. Penny test you ask? Put a penny in the tread, with the top of Lincoln's head pointing at the tire. If the top of his head is exposed, the tire is worn beyond the 2/32" and in need of replacement. - Side note, for commercial vehicles, the minimum tread depth, IIRC, is 4/32"

[@Bailey-y9b]

Dodge corporate told me needed ball joints, I said show me, the reply ws what you don’t believe me? Really skeptical with that answer after selling a woman a bunch of nonsense she didn't need , such as a oil change 1k miles ago

[@kennethyoung2077]

Years ago my daughter was offered a free inspection on her car, the report said just about everything was worn out on a 3 year old car. This work had to be done asap, she then told hi that her father was a farmer and he would have a look at it. The look on the service managers face was priceless.

[@TonyRule]

Did her farmer father not teach her that there's no such thing as a free lunch? Few people offering something like a brake inspection for 'free' would be doing it for the right reasons.

[@SeanBZA]

You got a brand new customer for life now Ray......

[@MonkeyJedi99]

And a brand of brake pads named after him! (I'm kidding, Raybestos started in 1902)

[@derekhobbs1102]

Raybestos brand kind of disappeared within Australia for last couple of decades, but has popped up again.

[@JetFire9]

He used the wrong tool for the job and got invalid caliper readings. Doh!! But your simping is appreciated.

[@jdesaavedra0432]

I remember the episode in the Quick Stop when a older lady came in with a Honda after getting the big fear sell. Ray found nothing wrong. A short time later Ray was packing his trailer.

[@jimmccormick6091]

I think there was an awful lot more going on than just that one customer.....

[@tinydog34]

​@@jimmccormick6091that's because ray was honest about the car didn't need all that work. The dealership wanted to make a sale and Ray said no.

[@1jackvalley580]

I'm sure glad the people have you guys Ray, Nothing better than an honest mechanic, and a mechanic that Is good at what he does. YOU GUYS ARE APPRECIATED AND RESPECTED🤠🙏

[@46bovine]

Yes, indeed!

[@JohnBradley-ut2qi]

Since I retired from the automotive field, I was lucky to find a mechanic here in Pa. that is as honest as you are. He does not try to upsell unless absolutely necessary. When I worked in the field I always tried to be as honest as possible. But you know the saying, You can't please all of the people all of the time. Have a great one Ray and hope your business goes well.

[@stevenfoster2992]

Damm I jumped when the lock slipped and said "WTF was that?!?! " lol. Glad to see Ray that you stop to investigate and make sure you were safe before moving on. Well done sir, well done.

[@chrismast2790]

Ray: "We're in a time crunch here so we need to go fast." Also Ray: "Let me take some time to teach your how to take proper measurements, how to understand those measurements, and how the work to get those measures influences your experience and internal politics at the repair shops".

[@protic4]

What a legend

[@JetFire9]

He used the wrong caliper tool and measured the thicker lips of the rotor instead of the true thickness. So much for your comment.

[@billjamison2877]

You are an Honest Soul Ray! The world needs more people like you!

[@martyober4833]

Back in the early 70s the C-clamp was the tool of choice

[@MonkeyJedi99]

The first brake job I did back in the 80's, our C-clamp was rusted solid (tools stored in an unheated detached garage) so our only option was channel locks with an old brake pad against the piston. Since then, that's how my brother and I have done almost all brake jobs. The dead pad as an anvil has accidentally had us doing it closer to correct.

[@ggr9566]

In states with mandatory mechanical annual inspections the vehicle owner is screwed as the mechanic fails the inspection if any spec is out of tolerance. I’ve had many rotors failed for being .001 off. And 1 new rotor means 2 rotors, and 2 sets of pads.

[@ralph5476]

Someone I know put their car in for a registration check (Australia). Report came back that the rear crankshaft oil seal needed replacing - probably the most expensive job possible! Unbeknownst to them, he had just had the engine totally overhauled, including crankshaft and bottom end. They had squirted an oil can behind the flywheel, to prove to him the "leak". He just cleaned it with brake clean, and took it elsewhere. It never was a problem!

[@FloodExterminator]

Are registration checks done by government shops or regular mechanic shops?

[@randybeard6040]

What someone Does in the Dark usually Comes Out in the Light, Fraudulent people are destroying this world right now...

[@danssmokintreasures]

That is messed up.

[@TheHrb1234]

I hope he called them out on it.

[@petercook8235]

@@FloodExterminatordepends on the state. Rego checks are usually only required when selling the vehicle or registering an unregistered vehicle. Most states the inspection is done by an accredited shop.

[@EJLitherland]

Ray, your honesty and integrity along with your detail in doing the jobs for KZbin has made me a regular viewer. For the past two or three years I have looked for your latest release, even when you were working for the dealership. I knew then that you were going to make and excellent owner-operator and quickly build a strong community of happy customers. Your planned expansion has been a joy to watch and I'm always wondering what your next improvement will be. Keep up the great programming and camera work.

[@LilYeshua]

Holy micrometers Batman! I did a brake job on a customer's car to where they'd neglected proper service intervals. One brake rotor disc was totally lathed off the rotor hub by the brake caliper thus it was doing the hula hoop. Thanks for the info. My experiences with dealerships over the years is that I've gotten suggested repairs that were not needed at the time. I've also had my share of service writers that are doing sale tactics. I only agree to the repairs that I know are actually needed and others I decline so I can spend some time doing research about. As a consumer everyone needs to know the service intervals on their vehicle. On my recent car repairs I've had to get three repair opinions from three different repair companies and only one got it right because I've done my research on one particular car component and the indicators that accompany it due from wear. The company that got it right actually had me walk out with them to the car while it was on the lift and demonstrated this by the method that they used to check for actual wear the exact way I've seen others on KZbin do it plus the car was making all the right noises for that issue. They'll be getting my business

[@sfnnll1289]

Wife took Sonata to tire shop for insp. Came home with overpriced tires and rejected insp for O2 sensor with $600 estimate. Poppened ze hood, found O2 sensor and pushed on plug. Heard audible click and no wiggling could unclick. Fault gone and re-inspected elsewhere. Mechanical types know the place is sketchy, but ladies and others think they're "so nice".

[@deanwoodward8026]

I was just told Dodge recommends drivetrain gear oils (differentials, transfer case, auto trans) be changed every 12k miles. How about.... no.

[@robert-ne1835]

I had to take my wife’s car to our local shop a while back for a bit of a list of work. A bunch of it ended up being “non-repair” labor, and when I went to pay the bill, it was low enough for me to ask if it was the right bill. When the woman in the office explained the situation, I asked what it should cost to cover their labor, and paid them for it because that seemed fair to me. Ever since, I feel like I have gotten a little extra-special service. As for slide pins, you mentioned an air pocket that would eventually go away. I have had them do the opposite, where the grease causes a vacuum where the pins don’t move at all. Based on how much grease you apply, I am not over-greasing, so not sure if that would be a problem, but just fiddled with them until they slid well enough.

[@sufoj]

As a former fleet mechanic that rarely wrenches now due to debilitating arthritis, I find myself at shops. I try to pick Indie shops over dealers. Here in N. Texas, most of the indie shops offer extremely inflated estimates, one offering to replace 2 components totaling $60 in price and approximately 15 minutes to complete for the low low price of $900+. Turn signal switch that is 5 screws and a plug, estimate was $525, and $400 for the blend door actuator on a 2019 F-350. 2 screws and a plug. So, every time I try to avoid the pain of tactile hand employment, I end up doing it anyway, only delaying my suffering by trying to support my local economy. A lesson I continue to learn over and over with a new shop each time. The ONE shop I found that I trust has a 30-day backlog on most jobs. Shocking.

[@cengeb]

Told ya ya need maintenance on the lifts...get them all looked at. OSHA will be calling if you don't have stickers inspections,etc. Cya

[@cengeb]

Fla sucks with those temperatures it's early june,you can have it,and the humidity,alligators,and that goofy governor

[@stevewhite3424]

​@cengeb By all means, stay away. Far away.

[@cengeb]

@stevewhite3424 won't need any motivation...done,

[@wayneessar7489]

@@cengeb You replied to Joseph not Ray?

[@johnmoloney5296]

My father used to run a small garage ( repair shop) here in Ireland, he always said be honest with your customers because the customer that comes back is always worth more than that customer who comes once leaves a load of money with you but you never see them again, also im not sure about America but here the biggest good or bad advertising you get is word of mouth, bad word of mouth will destroy your reputation and business

[@Racingnut24]

It's that way here in America too :)

[@Robyrob7771]

A bad reputation will get the attention of government agencies as well. I seen shops change management while people are going to court and trying to explain bad sales!

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Another saying I hear often is, "A happy/satisfied customer might tell one other person. An unhappy/angry/unsatisfied customer will tell everyone they meet."

[@johnmoloney5296]

@@MonkeyJedi99 precisely!!

[@TonyRule]

It's the same the world over. But when there's a large population nearby, there's always the next sucker. That's how stealerships stay in business.

[@darkerbinding6933]

For all of us that are not super pros at using pliers to depress the pistons... just put an old brake pad on top of the piston to ensure you don't break it with the jaws of the pliers.

[@kenholt8297]

I had a Toyota Tercel once. Wife took it to a midas touch shop. They told her one front caliper was sticking and needed replacing. She called me, and I said no. Seven years later sold the car with same caliper "still working just fine!"

[@Gizmetti]

Just because the car stopped doesn't mean the Caliper wasn't sticking... lol

[@ryanravencaller]

@@Gizmettiif it were sticking you’d be eating through brake pads on that wheel and probably another one cause that side would have to work harder to stop the car.

[@TonyRule]

@@ryanravencaller Not necessarily. It depends on how you drive and under what conditions (highway vs city) and how badly it was 'sticking', by which I presume they meant a piston.

[@Jimmeh_B]

A variation in rotor thickness is not run out. But run out will cause a variation in thickness over time. If you want to measure run out on a floating rotor, you need torque all the wheel nuts, attach a dial test indicator to the strut or other fixed surface, measure any variance as you rotate the rotor and then compare that variance as you repeat the measurement on the other side of the rotor. Run out is a measure of anti-parallelism between the rotor friction surfaces and the axle hub.

[@rexultimus1422]

A small warp basically?

[@MonkeyJedi99]

In this case, it could just as likely have been the corrosion on the non-wearing edge interfering with the caliper jaws.

[@mlieser1230]

Years ago I worked with a tech who's motto was "You got to stop before you can go". Just about every car on his rack needed brakes. He even did a brake job on a brand new car off the lot! When he resurfaced rotors, he only did one cut at warp speed. During a dry spell where no car needed brakes he was rummaging through the trash can. One of the other techs said "Look, he's going through the trash can looking for brake pads to get his fix!" 🤣🤣

[@DonaldWells-wk8dc]

Yep...dat's funny...😁

[@MonkeyJedi99]

The way I say it (without being a slimy upselling mechanic myself) is, "A car that won't go is a camper. A car that won't stop is a coffin."

[@OnzaRob]

There is a "Ray" in every town, amongst a sea of non "Ray's". Seek him out and pay what he asks...it will always be better value in the long run! The videos Ray are great, honest guys are out there, Ray you're there spokesman!

[@garyh7949]

Years ago, I think it was 1971, I took my 66 Mustang to one of those brake franchises. I think it was called Brake-O. They had a special running on brake shoe replacement. They put it on the rack and the wheel cylinder seals were leaking. The guy said, "I don't know how you made it in here." Anyway, after paying for a complete brake job, I got home and realized they didn't even bleed the brakes after replacing the wheel cylinders. My wife and I finished the job for them. Needless to say that was the last time I went to Brake-O.

[@tonyantolino1451]

Hi Ray yes it happened to me I was told by reception at ford UK that my water pump was leaking and I was told to repair the pump it will cost £.550 pounds so I told ford I will go to my local garage and I was told that my pump was 100% in good condition the was no need for any work to be carried out. Now 5 years later my water pump is still in good working order. Kind regards Tony.A

[@michaelharvey3306]

This is one of the main reason I value a great friend who owns a automotive shop and honestly, transparency, and a great worth ethic can go a long way. Easy to tell you’re one of the good ones. And hi from the great white north of Canadia lol ;)

[@cengeb]

Never do business with friends,it never ends well

[@derekhobbs1102]

@@cengeb Just don't do or expect mates rates.

[@cengeb]

@@derekhobbs1102 never ends well. Never.

[@eligreg99]

@@cengebHow doesn’t it end well? If my friend is honest about what’s wrong I don’t mind paying him an appropriate market price for the job to be done right the first time.

[@cengeb]

@@eligreg99 something will always happen, and destroy the friendship....

[@donosborne9086]

Ray, I use calipers every day for measuring parts at my manufacturing job. The flat calipers that you are using are not giving you an accurate reading as you are likely measuring the outside lip that the brake pads are creating. The edge rotors as opposed to the actual face of the rotor. What you should use is a thickness gauge that looks like a c-clamp with a dial indicator.

[@shakerman55]

A micrometer is the correct measuring tool.

[@glennschemitsch8341]

He is using the calipers all the way down ,so he has the gaps on the rotor edge and not measuring the lips of the rotors.

[@tyrantworm7392]

Ye, a Micrometer.

[@chris.eskimo]

​@@glennschemitsch8341I disagree. Caliper will measure the widest point. Which is normally the outer (rusty) edge.

[@shakerman55]

@@glennschemitsch8341 Not enough clearance. That’s why they measured thicker than stock even though they have the lip. Micrometer is the correct and only tool to do it right. Added: I’ve been a mechanic and worked in very large machine shops for 50 years. I own the same calibers that he is using, and they do not measure a rotor correctly.

[@owencocchio1716]

Shame that some bad techs give us as an industry a bad rep. When cars come in at our dealer with 4mm, we send up an estimate not to force them to buy the job, but to give them the amount they should save up to have them replaced at the next visit, which usually by then is at 3mm, which requires replacement. Customers appreciate that and because of us not forcing the sale, just recommending it for the near future, we almost always get the sale when they come back due to being honest. That dealer lost a future long-term customer

[@laxbeach2381]

That’s how my dealer does it. They sell Subaru, and BUICK/GMC. I had a battery issue, couldn’t get into them in time, so stopped by Advance. Advance said I needed a new battery. So appointment came for oil change, Dealer said I needed a new battery. Was like what? I told them it is brand new. They just advised getting battery tested and warrantied by Advance if needed first, instead of spending unnecessary money on other tests and things. I stopped by an Advance location, oh yeah battery is bad, alternator and starter test good, but we cannot replace as battery is in the trunk. Go back to Advance that sold the battery and had installed it. Oh your alternator is bad. Go to another Advance oh, everything is good! Felt like a Monty Python episode at this point. My verdict, car is running fine. I had purchased a tester as well, and everything also seems ok. If something happens, I’ll take it back in for diagnosis. Which for any diagnosis work they do, they waive fee if job is done by them. On that, they said I needed a new intake as mine was broken which I knew, and they suggested replacement. They were going to try to get extended warranty to replace, but warranty said intakes are a normal wear and tear item. Although I spent more on the K&N intake than the OEM one they requested, I just went with it. It’s a 2015 Camaro, so just thought why not go with the cold air intake? TPMS sensor needs replaced, knew that before heading in. Well to finalize, they told me about the brakes, and stated it may be about time for your next visit. Everything thing came out to about $1000 or so for estimates for replacement battery(although that was quickly eliminated), intake(which I replaced) TPMS sensor and Front/Rear brake job, some places would try their best to make that sale that day, but they told me suggestions, I told them I’d think about it. They said ok, your car is ready. Everyone moved on with their day. Now, I do assume the tech just didn’t test the battery during the oil change, but not holding that against them too much as the dealer wants oil changes to be as efficient as possible, as that’s what customers expect. The other stuff is just visual inspection. They’ll probably get that brake job for sure, the cold air intake was just something I wanted to try. The TPMS sensor, I have on order, and they may get the job on that if Discount Tire doesn’t do it. My only complaint with them is, it’s hard to get back into them for every single little thing.

[@loisrinehart6755]

I worked in a Union 76 station when I was in high school. The owner showed me all the tricks for conning people into getting scared into repairs. I worked there for about 2 weeks and left. He was out of business within the year. Worked at 2 other stations during my high school and early college years. They were so honest, if someone wanted something fixed, they would let them know it didn't need fixing just like you do. They taught me to be honest in all my dealings and I've never had a problem. I'll be 75 in about 3 months. Ray, keep up the great and honest work. I just wished you were closer to me here in Southern Idaho. You'd have a customer for life. Thank you.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I brought my car to my current shop last year sure that I needed a new wheel bearing. It was a warped rotor causing the noise and vibration. Their honesty saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@SPUDHOME]

You learned all the tricks, in 2 weeks? I guess there aren’t many.

[@stephenlittle7769]

When I had a Honda, I went to the dealership for a state inspection. The service advisor came in with a dirty air filter and got the customer to have it replaced. After that customer left, he came in with the same filter and tried it on another customer.

[@curtw8827]

Saw that happen at my local quicky-lube when I was there for an insurance verification.

[@jeffh4505]

Wife took her car to the dealership for an oil change (free, but her cousin also works there, so we trust him not to screw up), and they tried to charge $40 for a filter change after "removing the dirty one". She said nah, my husband will do it. $40 to take 30 seconds to replace a $15 filter is a total ripoff.

[@bebop425]

Anyone buying an air filter and having it installed at a shop must love throwing money in the trash. The markup is absurd and borderline unethical

[@dukwdriver2909]

Wise lady to get a second opinion. Hope she has the wisdom to keep coming back to you and spreads the word. If it were mine, I would been happy to use as is for a while longer. So no disagreement there.

[@victorbaird8220]

I could fall asleep to Ray doing voiceovers

[@garyv8104]

Funny you mention that, I was sleeping during parts of this video 😮

[@tombowman2154]

Honesty is always the best policy.

[@1jackvalley580]

Previously, I had a Goodyear auto shop try to pull some BS on me when I took my Vehicle In for a quick oil change, because I couldn't get it into my regular auto repair shop. They were telling me I had some serious things going on and needed the repairs done asap because it's dangerous to be driving it. I told them I will pay them for the oil change, and take it to my Mechanic, and he tried his best to get me to let them do the repairs. I took it to my mechanic and he said there was nothing wrong with my vehicle. I put in a review online for this place, and of course he said I must have misunderstood him, what a scumbag 😡

[@shadowopsairman1583]

State you understood and the idiot was trying to gyp you

[@CheerfulTent-ww4hr]

I have had same crap with Firestone! They advertise FREE Brake INSPECTIONS, told me it would be $ 149.95. Told him to suck my dog.

[@charlesjackson1700]

Firestone and Goodyear "both" are bad for that!!!..

[@arizonasun4389]

Don't forget JiffyLube and their fan belt BS!

[@garytibbettsAE1TG]

I've had same experience with a dentist. Thankfully never a mechanic.

[@mattelissa1]

Everything you say about dealership, warranty ect is true. 25 years in the field and seen so much

[@bblod4896]

I've only gone to the dealership for recalls. Even though the dealership does a "free" inspection and always suggests some kind of service, I just smile and say, "no thank you". The final invoice always states "customer declined _____________". In the meantime, Your tools are well trained to STAY when told to. My tools tend to stray when I'm not looking, perhaps more training is in order.

[@robertcurrey1929]

I have my tools trained except that 10mm short socket. I swear it plays hide and seek on purpose

[@bblod4896]

@@robertcurrey1929 ROFLOL It is one of the most popular sockets.

[@cloverparkusa]

I wish I had someone like you in my area! This past June 2024, my back brake was making a scraping noise. Went to the mechanic and ended up with 4 calipers, 4 rotors, all new pads, and a parking brake shoe with hardware kit ($1,200 parts & labor). Car was driven at most 200 miles after the job was done. In August, almost 2 months to the day of all new brake components, the brake pedal went to the floor. I tried pumping it, but nothing happened. I got home, popped the hood and there was no brake fluid, so I had the car towed to the mechanic and ended up with a new master cylinder, power brake booster, brake line, and brake hose (total labor and parts $1,684). Now, I'm in for a total of $2,800. I then pick up the car from the mechanic and put my foot on the brake to start the car and the pedal goes all the way to the floor. I drove the car home & informed the mechanic, but I am at the point where I don't know if I should bring it back to him to fix this again or if I should bring it somewhere else. I do not understand how a mechanic could drive the car out of the bay, park it and never notice the pedal is almost touching the floor. I checked the brake fluid in the container, and it is black and the emergency brake does not work. What would you do?

[@Patriottoo2]

Scammers are everywhere. I was hired right out of optometry school by an optometrist that sold glasses to people that didn't need them. Went to a lube garage last year that charged me almost $100 for an oil change that he didn't do.

[@cengeb]

Maybe you couldn't see the oil was clean,changed,but you couldn't see it? Ya need glasses

[@Patriottoo2]

@@cengeb So, you were there, during the deception? You get your kicks being a troll. Go back under your rock.

[@roxanneabbott8424]

I was a Certified Vision Therapist for 20yrs. One of my Optometrists would put most of my patients into plus lenses to relax the accommodative system, making it easier for me to work with them.

[@Patriottoo2]

@@roxanneabbott8424 And, your point is?

[@Patriottoo2]

@@cengeb Oh, looky, someone that wants to support scammers.

[@engiopd]

Man I wish I had a mechanic like you around here

[@clbcl5]

The Monte Carlo will never leave.

[@patrickgoodwin3085]

Morning Ray! Fortunately, the repair shop I use doesn't use the scare tactics and treats everyone fair. I did use a different shop at one point that would tell you that your vehicle has so many problems that need attention. I no longer use them (been years). Wish there were more honest mechanics/technicians like you and my shop out there. Have a great one Ray!

[@petersomma4407]

Sounds like the other shop used the specification numbers to justify the sale. They used the letter of the law to pressure the person to make the purchase while at the same time covering themselves so they can't be sued.

[@imagseer]

Just wait until Ai gets hold of everything!

[@SWMOWZ]

I'm about 90 seconds into ur video and I needed to pause to say thank you. I just put new ball joints, control arms, shocks, inner/outer tie rods and sway links on my 01 expedition and without your videos it would have been a hard one for me. Thanks brother ❤ now for an aliment 😂

[@basbass429]

in north west Europe we could use MORE heat!! It had been cold the entire spring season!

[@SeanBZA]

Getting to winter by me, dropped below 18C last night.......

[@MummaBear]

The UK is rain, rain and more rain. We're still waiting for global warning .

[@GARDENER42]

Yep, it's 12°C/54°F here in Cumbria UK right now. :-(

[@GARDENER42]

@@MummaBear The rain is caused by global warming, as it alters weather patterns.

[@SeanBZA]

@@MummaBear Well, in for a storm tonight. This one left 20cm of rain in a few hours during the weekend when it hit land, likely to be doing the same today. Lots of trees down already with the winds of it coming in.

[@RAYROTHSTEIN66]

We use to take a DA sander and run it around the rotor to break the glaze. That way the pads would seat better with no squeaking.

[@tomdixon1213]

Perhaps on Rainman Ray Off Duty you can add some insulation panels on that ceiling so your garage won’t get so hot.

[@TremaineLea]

Kind of depends on the kind of roof it is though doesn't it? There's no AC in the shop, so it's debatable whether it would keep cool air inside, or keep the heat from escaping. I don't recall having seen venting out of the roof, and that with a big fan to draw the heat up and out would probably be a big help. A giant AC unit would help more, but pricey to run with the bay doors open 😂

[@ckata22]

@@TremaineLea I don't live in the florida sun, but I've been working from home in my garage and when the sun hits the garage door it becomes a giant radiator panel. Heat pours off of that door. I think it will stop some radiant heat. I've moved some wheeled storage racks in front of the door and it helps a bit. The uninsulated walls might yield more bang for the buck

[@Space_Naught]

Had a customer bring in their car for an oil leak and brake shudder. Cliff notes of the analysis, Oil leak is the classic GM LUV turbo failure. the "shudder" was actually the rear "axle" having zero material in the bushings and missing half the hardware. my shop foreman had to pull the customer aside and explain that we could legally not let the car back on the road in this condition. This is a GM dealership BTW. The customer refused all work and said they would come back when they had money to repair it. Fast forward a few hours and that same car is towed back in with the rear axle separated. Yup, the rear axle fell out thanks to nothing being there to secure it together. Tried to blame us for causing the damage. To be fair, it was a Chevy cruise with 250K on it and from the records, it was never maintained.

[@marcellinden7305]

Had my local dealer tell me I needed $14k of repairs to the running/suspension gear of my 4x4. They had been servicing the 4x4 since new, and in this instance they said the car was unsafe to drive home. I had the 4x4 brought home on a flatbed truck and I then drove it to another independent shop who did the work with non OEM parts for under $7k. I've had the 4x4 for 25y and I'm 95% happy with how its turned out, just very annoyed that the $14k bill seemed to come out of the blue...

[@eligreg99]

7,000 worth of work on a 25 year old car is wild though. I mean if you have no plans on getting another car I guess it’s worth it but damn.

[@marcellinden7305]

@@eligreg99 ... Yeah, the car is a keeper. Had it since new, drives again like it did when new. This old blue singlet beard stroker is happy with his old Prado.

[@rickydonahue1586]

I was a traveling mechanic for a while and unfortunately I usually didn't get a call until after the carnage had already happened. The times I was able to catch a failure before hand though I would show the customer the problem if able because eyes on is the best way to show failing parts.

[@pasconoleman]

I found myself in need of a battery on a Saturday night. I went to a well known auto parts retailer and they sold and installed a battery. They then claimed my alternator was bad and I couldn’t leave because my battery would explode. They informed me that I would need to walk twenty six miles home…..this was pre Uber days. I laughed at that prospect but they told me that if I left I was on my own and there would be no warranty on the new battery. I took the car to my regular mechanic on Monday morning and was told you never test the charging system immediately after installing a battery because if the battery has been sitting for a while it will cause the alternator to give an inaccurate reading. I then drove back to the auto parts store and forced them to provide me a warranty in writing.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Wow. The hostage-taking upsell! I had that happen at a Meineke the only time I went to one. I came in to have them replace a rusted tailpipe and muffler. They "took the initiative" to inspect my brakes and told me they would call the cops if I tried to drive away without getting them replaced. I asked if they wanted me to call them too. The put my wheels back on, installed the exhaust parts, I paid the pre-upsell written quote price, and made sure I shared the tale. This was in the 1990's and I have told lots of people since.

[@StrangerInAStrange]

When I was working full time and commuting, I took my Honda Fit to a local Tire/Quick Lube Shop for oil changes. I was doing 5K intervals. When I to the shop work area, I mentioned to the young lady that I wanted a sticker for 5K, instead of a 3K interval. She got very concerned and started telling me how she couldn't do that, she had just finished training on this subject and my oil would be "no good" if I let it go 5K. Finally convinced her, against her will, to print a sticker with a 5K interval. Quit using that shop and now that I'm retired, I'm back to doing as much of my own work as possible.

[@hirisk761]

sounds like the service manager saw an easy target to pad the dept's numbers. dealerships suck

[@donwyoming1936]

My wife takes one of our cars in for an oil change, everything is in the yellow/red and she needs a mysterious 16k mile service not in the manual or online service schedule. I take one in to the dealer, everything is green.

[@plowkingf15]

Especially if its at the end of the month. Someplaces have baywatch.Its to sell wiper blades and other accessories to hit the numbers before last day of the month.

[@TheHrb1234]

Not just dealerships sadly. As a wheelchair user, some look and think Im an easy target too, little do they know ;)

[@raymondbardeen6450]

Even after posting this video, or attempting to sham the stealer(dealer), you will fail. One cannot shame business people that have no moral compass.

[@brianclark803]

Yeah the dealer wanted 1000$ to change 4 sparkplugs(sparkplug are on the top took me 25min to complete.

[@alisonleatherbarrow]

Years ago I took my car in for its mot and it passed but with an advisory not that the brakes would need replacing shortly. Took it back to the same garage a couple of months later to have it done and the mechanic said there was nothing wrong with them, ten months later took it back for its annual mot passed no mention of brakes needing to be done 🤯

[@jasonbarker9943]

had a similar experience with suspension component, great video and timely

[@liamainsworth1023]

Isn't it better to measure disks with a micrometer rather than a vernier gauge

[@shakerman55]

Yes. Proper tool for the job.

[@andrewallen9993]

You can use a Vernier if the inside of the jaws is cut back enough to miss the ridge on the outside of the disk.

[@dstrych9636]

Thanks, Ray! Another informative video. Hope the move to the new shop has been mucho successful.

[@ruckinehround6965]

Ray one issue with the caliper on the rotor is the outer most surface diameter may not see the pad and there may be a little rust build up and your measurements could vary based on that and your gap may not be sufficient , suggest you get calliper s with a bridge end and not a flat plane. Just a thought. Great video.

[@shakerman55]

Having worked in auto mechanics and a large machine shop all of my life, I can say that a caliper isn’t the correct tool. You’re supposed to use a proper micrometer.

[@tyrantworm7392]

Yeah, should be a Micrometer and runout wasn't measured. Saying that, there was nothing there which is going to impact braking performance/feel in the near future.

[@shakerman55]

@@tyrantworm7392 True in this case. But young mechanics starting out should learn to use the correct tools for measuring a part that can kill or hurt someone. Not everyone has Rays experience. Saying that, he is one of a very few mechanics that I would let work on my car if I didn’t feel like doing it myself.

[@tyrantworm7392]

@@shakerman55Oh absolutely dude, a mk1 eyeball only gets you so far. I'm unfortunately fastidious/obsessive with measurements and mileage extrapolation if I'm spending someone else's money where the situation is marginal.

[@forgetfulme1719]

@@shakerman55 would his measurement hold up in court if there is a lawsuit? Too cheap to buy micrometer? Runout? Never can work in machine shop or aviation mechanic.

[@KAS_Motorsports]

Nice work bud. You are much better with words than I. I never use the scare tactic to sell work but you explained the situations better than I could have. I’m good with numbers not words. Glad to see how you are able to shine the light on the mechanic stereotype.

[@richardsteckel2814]

.0007 is seven TEN thousandths of an inch 😊

[@justpray365]

Haha. That extra zero caught him off guard.😂

[@yowser8780]

Most 'shop' calipers (or users) can't even get that close of a measurement. I suspect that the manual has a typo.

[@justpray365]

@@yowser8780 You’re supposed to use a micrometer on rotors.

[@tomft3992]

⁠@@justpray365 And the purpose of that is not to read the thickness of the “ridge” !!

[@TonyRule]

@@justpray365 I could hear the gears grinding!

[@golf25radioman]

It's been so many years since I worked with service writers, I don't recall specifics on ''upselling" tactics. But I do vaguely remember stories about them and yours remind me of them. So sorry to hear these stories, they are what paints techs & the industry in a bad light. Giving the customer the options of what to do is empowering for them. A "pad slap" as you did is the only it can be done. By measuring everything and evaluating the health of the brakes. Great video, even with the microphone fail.

[@wendwllhickey6426]

They make money on up selling that is why they do it

[@jeanclaudevandam4974]

Don't pad slap it just to prove a point. Love the videos.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

Pad slap on the rear, with no other issues is not an issue, but never on the front. The rear discs at most contribute 20% of breaking (gradual breaking on a flat roadway). Otherwise they primarily keep the vehicle in a straight line during braking, stopping the rear end from yawing under braking forcing.

[@michaelabbott511]

Your right Ray, My wife just bought a new 2023 NISSAN ROGUE with 57 miles on It In November, We took It In for the first ( Maintenance for like ) oil change ,only 6000 miles on It, And they told her, she needed new tires ,when I questioned them on it ,They tryed to say it was the weight of the car , causing the wear on tires, THEN because we live in Tucson Az, where it gets very hot ,( We haven't reached over 90 degrees yet) That that was what caused it, so we took It to our own Mechanic, and he sad we have over 90%tire tread left, all said werenot to pleased with NISSAN.

[@TonyRule]

There were two Rogues present that day... see what I did there? Did ya? Huh?

[@bebop425]

I do not believe this story. Who would fall for this? Also, I think the tires get at least a 12,000 mile or 1 year warranty upon purchase.

[@stuglenn1112]

Wasn't a dam thing wrong with those brakes, the pads had a lot of life left.

[@Slugg-O]

Nope, but I would have been inclined to authorize or even request a replacement after hearing the truth, and knowing I was already on the hook for the inspection.

[@gillesthibault429]

That's why he gave the customer the choice...

[@ORRadtech]

You're not wrong. But with the same circumstances I would have authorized a pad swap too. Heck, if I were doing the same inspection at home I'd likely do the same thing then. Mostly because one pad was markedly thinner than the others which might make me think it was sticking. New pads, New hardware and regrease the pins would give me piece of mind.

[@davidkettell1073]

@@ORRadtech The outer pad always wears faster ,i dont know why but it does

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@davidkettell1073 Sticky caliper position? Maybe the brake pads KNOW that if they wear the inner one faster, the screech plate will alert the driver before they lose braking power, and that would not fit their evil plan of world domination!!! Or I watch too many Stephen King movies.

[@sniperlif3]

This is why I do love my dealership. They tell me recommendations from GM and then tell me the recomendations from thier technicians. They aren't great with finding an issue that requires driving because it is sacralidious to drive a vehicle, but they are great at the other stuff.

[@shannononeil2751]

I avoid the dealerships like the plague! Every manufactures recall I receive, they find a laundry list of recommended repairs usually totaling $2000 - $3000. When I decline their recommendations they get really snippy and inform you they are noting that, "The customer REFUSED recommended services." on the invoice. Often it's fluid replacement services, that have already been done or not needed and one "leaking" steering ram, that wasn't leaking,. Get second opinion if there is any doubt.

[@georgegonzalez2476]

My son had exactly the same experience. Acura TL went in for the airbag recall. At the same time they “inspected” it and came up with an estimate of $3000 for needed repairs. I looked over the list and none of the items were really needed. Yes, two shocks had a drop of oil on their sides, but nothing of any consequence.

[@mikebuffing727]

Ray, when was the last time you had that caliper calibrated? Also use paper between the faces, apply light pressure, then drag the paper out and do this until it’s clean. It pulls the dirt off the faces to get confirm zero. I’m only pointing it out because you were trying to be accurate. if it’s never been calibrated except for factory calibration then who knows how accurate it is. Good work showing the proper method.

[@pedroequis9396]

And the brake fluid looks like ?

[@joeyf4454]

I always recommend change the rotors. If you don't, good chance eventually you're gonna have squealing and/or brake dust, etc... You're right there, so I leave it up to the customer but, I always recommend it.

[@rogeralbans4082]

Am I the only one waiting for the "Royal with Cheese" joke as Ray was flicking between metric and those other units that we (99% of the rest of the world) don't use.

[@williamjones4483]

Actually there is no country that is 100% metric. Dig deep enough and you'll find that out.

[@misterkite]

@@williamjones4483 True.. I don't know any country that uses radians over degrees when discussing angles, etc.

[@tankmaximus]

Well it's 238,855 miles to the moon...... and who's flag is there 🤔

[@wendwllhickey6426]

I pad slapped on roters that were smooth and it worked fine

[@jilbertb]

All quilters use the Imperial system. Can't do a 1/4" in metric....

[@edwardberwind8544]

Ray, you did a good job and I believe the right thing for your customer.

[@skyhawk7935]

Centrifical force is why helicopters have tail rotors Ray.😊

[@silicon212]

Helicopters have tail rotors to counter anti-torque forces from the main rotor. Centrifugal force has nothing to do with that.

[@jonallen1985]

I see a Valvoline instant oil, change window sticker, I used to work for them😂, they recommended oil changes every 3000 miles regardless of what you drive and what kind of oil you use.

[@bentonheath7838]

Dealerships are relying on their service department to stay afloat. They aren't selling vehicles because of high MSRP and interest rates. The public isn't buying it.

[@louispaxton8336]

Excellent. All in suffocatingly hot conditions. R. R., his family and program are "flat out" excellent!!

[@oldbiker9739]

welcome back cotter pin 😂🤣😅

[@Supersam23855]

Ray love the video, shops thrive on people that don't know anything about cars, this past winter went to a local tire shop very well known chain of stores through out New York. They told me I needed brakes all around, I told them impossible just had brakes done. (I did it my self) done it several times on my own. Rejected the service they wanted $600.00 per wheel. Went home ck the brakes myself, pads were 3/4 in the rear and 1/2 in the front. Here we are 9 months later still have plenty of pad. I do alot of highway miles. Custer beware GET A SECOND OPINION !!!!!!!

[@toshayonguard4253]

Oh man it is 79 degrees here in North Central Ohio…And when I left my last Repair shop job to go on my own I outfitted my Shop with Central A/C and for the last 15 year’s I have worked on everything I wrench on in the utmost comfort I added $5 to every job listed under shop supply’s and I have never had a customer complain about it and you bet your ass the old timer’s love the cool shop they can stand in. I’m 58 and the old timer’s are in there 70’s and 80’s and I am located in the country and I deal with 90% time Farm Families. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@brianhunt9168]

Thank you for being honest, I always get two opinions for my automotive repairs:)

[@edwardrobb4682]

Hello to all ! Great video as usual ! I agree that your decision to just replace the rear pads is all that is required . I recently just replaced front pads on my daughters focus . I did not machine the rotors as I usually do . Just installed the new pads . I have a 1987 ford e350 motor home . From sitting , the front rotors were rusty . I removed them and machined them . The pads were like new , so I just reinstalled them . I usually just use my eye chrome tee to gauge brake pads . The pads I buy are all lifetime warranty , so when ever I want new ones , I just remove them and return them .

[@jackschissler255]

If I lived in Florida, Ray would be my mechanic. Very good. I’m not into cars or maintenance but I enjoy watching him.

[@tedjohnson64]

Thanks for explaining about using the relief cutout on the digital caliper… to accommodate the wear lip on the rotor! I’d initially thought that your measurements were misleading… because you weren’t using a C-shaped measuring tool, and thus were measuring the lip rather than the swept surface area on the rotor.

[@peterbenson3776]

Sometime you might discuss the pad material differences. Some people in the north salt belt prefer soft organic pads because they wont destroy the rotors but need to be changed more often. Depending on driver habits .

[@HayesTech]

I consider myself lucky, in that, I found a very good mechanic about 25 years ago. And he is only one block away from me. The first time I ever took a vehicle to him, for service, he basically replaced a missing spring, and charged me nothing. I could have been sold an entire brake system by some other mechanic. So ever since then I've used this one mechanic.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

My worry when I find a great and honest mechanic is if they are older than I am. That means I absolutely will have to find another great and honest mechanic again...

[@HayesTech]

@@MonkeyJedi99 I got lucky in that his son was a partner of his. The dad actually passed away about 3 or 4 years ago. But the Sun is now running it. And he too, like his dad, is very thorough.

[@rrnonya5472]

Brake jobs were the 1st DIY job I did back in the early 90s once the old "haynes manual" showed me how simple it was, I was done with mechanics for that type of job. I think I've had a mechanic do my brakes 3- 4 times in over 30 years (maybe) and I've owned over a dozen cars with my wife and kids. Just did a pad slap a few days ago. That being said, a lady should always get 2nd opinion, ESPECIALLY at the stealership.

[@edpagan3336]

Thank you for being so honest Ray

[@aaronwilliams1249]

I wonder how many customers watch your videos. I'm sure many would be glad to see your attention to detail and honesty.

[@johnt.848]

Excessive runout in the rotors will show up as a pulsing feeling in the brake pedal and generally wear marks on the rotor surface. Even turning the rotor by hand will allow you to feel any high spots where the pads grab.

[@Nocturnal2010]

Agreed on the brake inspection especially having no vibration. If you used a 0-1 micrometer instead of a caliper on the rotors they're almost guaranteed to be within spec. I don't usually measure pads until they're about the same thickness as the backing plate. Pad replacement at the most 👍🏾

[@williammyers5911]

That why I do all of the maintenance myself, to verify the work is done correctly. I am not fast, but like the work since I am retired...I wish you had a shop in the Myrtle Beach SC area...another great video...thanks

[@mjac8373]

Monroe, MI in 2006 for the Channellock pliers Yeah man, I lived there for many years, now my newphews reside on M-52 S. We have fog and 56* today. Always enjoy learning from you Ray. Retired age 73

[@ednorton47]

Home of General George Custer, RIP.

[@mjac8373]

@@ednorton47 Yeah I forgot about him!

[@keithhastings4092]

Of course, to be fully accurate you need to break out the dial indicator and checking runout that way you’re including the runout built into the hub as well. I have fixed pulsation complaints but changing the relationship between hub and rotor and getting it down to 0.001”. This takes time thus it’s rarely done. This unit still has a lot of time on the brakes.

[@bertiethomas960]

59f here in Northern ireland as i watch your video Ray on 8th of june....Thanks for all your video content...i enjoy your videos very much. Your honesty and humor is great....keep them coming and please stop telling us its nice and warm lol

[@davidhomen4528]

There must be "a ripple in the force." Yesterday I was watching NHRA and all of the sudden my tv switched to the NASCAR race that was already over. No one touched the remote. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Ha! I remember back in the day when remotes were still fairly new and everyone was getting cable. All of the remotes had the same coding. (Kind of like the garage door opener snafu around the same time.) We used to take our Charter remote and change what people in the neighborhood were watching if they had their curtains/shades open. We could sometimes get up to 40 feet away if the window was nearly square-on to our location.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

You Sir are the exception in my opinion, most of my encounters with dealers and Owner repair shops are they are always pushing to rip you off, and over charge you. We just bought a new Subaru and inquired about getting it with a Trailer hitch on it. and were quoted $1.000 for it. We bought a Curtis (same one Dealer would have used for $163. 00. and got our local repair guy to install it for less than $300 so $463. installed Vs $1,000 not a hard decision to make.

[@RogerFleury-rh9wr]

27th! Good Monday morning Ray,Lauren,and Dave. I only go to the dealership for warranty work. Everything else is done by my local mechanics. Roger in Pierre South Dakota

[@dmulkearns]

Thank you for this video I have heard dealers tell my daughter those same things and have fixed the problems easily at 1/2 to 1/3 the cost they wanted…. $150.00 to install a cabin filter.. Super high brake jobs $600 brake jobs

[@jylfarm1964]

In my area, a Visual Brake Inspection might be free but to get a detail one like you did, they will call it "Slide Pin" greasing. This is a recommended procedure in many "High Salt road" area to get the most out of your PAD/Rotor for many brand of cars.

[@luviskol]

Plumbers wrenches or G clamps are my tool of choice for retracting pistons, but to be safe I usually use the old pad on top of the piston to make sure I don't pinch anything. Chews up the friction material a bit but if they're going in the bin anyway makes no odds

[@1GameKeeper]

What you just did is known as a "forensic examination". this means that an examination conducted by a recognized and properly qualified expert. (Of which you are undoubtedly one) when properly conducted measured and the details of which are recorded, is evidence admissible in court. Strong stuff Ray.

[@MsFireboy2]

Ray I have had that happen. One shop I worked at the owner serviced the lifts himself. So I learned a lot on servicing these lifts.