Front end specialist (CAR) in Chiangmai

[rumak]

I use Toyota for most maintenance of the car .   However something like a good front end person/garage would be 

an option for me,    thinking they might be more experienced than a mechanic at the dealer

 

any references ?

[1FinickyOne]

when I had Toyota, I trusted the dealer but that was in another province... recently, I had a good experience with Amnuay on fixing my a/c... I was told they were a bit more expensive but they came in cheaper than a local chop shop and did a great job... I checked on internet and they seem to have a long standing good reputation. I found them very professional. 

 

As you go down Narathiwat - they are on the right hand side, not too far off hwy 11

[rumak]

37 minutes ago, 1FinickyOne said:

when I had Toyota, I trusted the dealer but that was in another province... recently, I had a good experience with Amnuay on fixing my a/c... I was told they were a bit more expensive but they came in cheaper than a local chop shop and did a great job... I checked on internet and they seem to have a long standing good reputation. I found them very professional. 

 

As you go down Narathiwat - they are on the right hand side, not too far off hwy 11

yes,  i know Amnuay for a long time.   The brothers run a good shop...... mainly A/C  but do a few other things

 

actually,  i think longggg ago they told me about a shop for a problem with a wheel bearing or such..........    hmmmm  

 

i do like Toyota,  especially the one on superhwy .     i might check with them first    thx

[1FinickyOne]

17 minutes ago, rumak said:

yes,  i know Amnuay for a long time.   The brothers run a good shop...... mainly A/C  but do a few other things

 

actually,  i think longggg ago they told me about a shop for a problem with a wheel bearing or such..........    hmmmm  

 

i do like Toyota,  especially the one on superhwy .     i might check with them first    thx

not sure about before, but they do sell tires and so I would guess they are proficient in that area too... 

[canthai55]

Pro Auto do quality work

[Dante99]

Good tire shop.  Going from Tesco Lotus kumtiang towards Chaang Puak (chotana) Road intersection on Super Highway access road, left side are two tire shops before the intersection.  The one with the Michelin sign has done wheel bearings and some front end work for me with good results.  Tall slim owner/manager test drives and checks stuff out with his mechanics.

 

it comes up listed as a tire store at that location on google maps

 

just after Volvo and Mr Car

[pgrahmm]

Pro Auto on Hang Dong road....They have an up to date alignment rack....Tonn  will show in person or via Line any failed or needed part....

Honest, clean, & modern shop, English speaking....

Check out their FB page customer recommendations....

 

[rumak]

Just now, pgrahmm said:

Pro Auto on Hang Dong road....They have an up to date alignment rack....Tonn  will show in person or via Line any failed or needed part....

Honest, clean, & modern shop, English speaking....

Check out their FB page customer recommendations....

 

 

i remember that you recommend them.    the reason i am in this  "who do i go to"  stage is the problem is one of those   "  listen closely,  when I go very slow and turn the wheels there is a slight  click click click" .        

A big problem is (should be)  easy ........ its the little noise things that sometimes require good diagnostic skills.    Many times the shops just stick the next available " chang " onto the fix .

 

Pro Auto is way opposite side of town from me .   If close i would go today .   

I am more in the ruam choke,  kamtien area .

 

[Bill97]

37 minutes ago, rumak said:

the problem is one of those   "  listen closely,  when I go very slow and turn the wheels there is a slight  click 

A lot of folks go to Pro Auto because Ton speaks English.  They would not be there otherwise.  The excellent mechanics with limited English just are not on their screens.  

 

[canthai55]

1 hour ago, rumak said:

problem is one of those   "  listen closely,  when I go very slow and turn the wheels there is a slight  click click click" .    

Sounds like CV joint in front axle. Replace the complete shaft - better yet do both sides.

[rumak]

44 minutes ago, Bill97 said:

A lot of folks go to Pro Auto because Ton speaks English.  They would not be there otherwise.  The excellent mechanics with limited English just are not on their screens.  

 

 

i didn't think of that .   probably true.   i once went to a garage near Doi Saket because it was recommended, and the "owner speaks English" .   Someone else did the work.....poorly.

 

i can speak Thai .    So do not need english speaking

[rumak]

22 minutes ago, canthai55 said:

Sounds like CV joint in front axle. Replace the complete shaft - better yet do both sides.

 

wow ,  sight (and sound)  unseen !   ( 2008 Toyota Vios,  BTW )   165 k   one owner 

 

friend Google :  

front end assembly may include tie rod ends, idler arms, pitman arms, a rack and pinion, ball joints, and shocks or struts. There are also a number of other parts that can fail

 

should be something in the steering components..... going straight no sound.   need to go slow and turn sharply to hear the click  click click .      When on rack the wheels are tight like they should be . 

 

if turns out to be CV joint you will be nominated for POTY 2021 .

 

 

 

[pgrahmm]

1 hour ago, Bill97 said:

A lot of folks go to Pro Auto because Ton speaks English.  They would not be there otherwise.  The excellent mechanics with limited English just are not on their screens.  

 

I'd have to not agree with that.... I'm retired (Lexus/Toyota) automotive service side....Over the years, and 4 vehicles I went to many different shops = not good....

When working, I was the one called in to evaluate & correct a shops operation from A to Z....I was also a go to consultant for the State Bureau of Auto Repair during case disputes....So, when I look at a shop it's with a different perspective than Johnny lunch bucket walking in....

It's entirely possible there are Thai shops that are very good I haven't seen...But, I've referred many to Tonn's shop (a few to diag/correct other shops work) and all have come away happy, and well served.... He's served us well for years, including roadside (battery), and his pick up & delivery that's offered....

That gives me  confidence in recommending this particular shop....

 

There are no perfect shops....

 

By all means, if you know of a bunch of superior shops and their specialties - recommend them....

We're in Thailand & there is no ASE certs (which actually means very little) so finding a modern, schooled, well equipped shops - so when found, we'd all benefit if made known ....

 

Side note:

"A" shop (mentioned here) - 7 trips 12+Baht  to fix A/C = had it finally done after finding Pro Auto & has stayed fixed since - years...

 

"B" repacked my wife's Honda CV joints = both axles popped out + wrong boots used - they also racked at the body which tweaked the trim...

 

"C" shop did a full service for next day trip - tow bill 15k + work needed because they forgot something.... Gave the benefit of doubt & tried a different branch = tried to rip me for 10k Baht.....

 

Coinicidentally those 3 shops do start with those letters....

[Bill97]

31 minutes ago, pgrahmm said:

finding a modern, schooled, well equipped shops - so when found, we'd all benefit if made known ....

I don’t care about modern or schooled at all, even well equipped is not always necessary.  
 

Results matter.

 

[rumak]

1 hour ago, pgrahmm said:

I'd have to not agree with that.... I'm retired (Lexus/Toyota) automotive service side....Over the years, and 4 vehicles I went to many different shops = not good....

When working, I was the one called in to evaluate & correct a shops operation from A to Z....I was also a go to consultant for the State Bureau of Auto Repair during case disputes....So, when I look at a shop it's with a different perspective than Johnny lunch bucket walking in....

It's entirely possible there are Thai shops that are very good I haven't seen...But, I've referred many to Tonn's shop (a few to diag/correct other shops work) and all have come away happy, and well served.... He's served us well for years, including roadside (battery), and his pick up & delivery that's offered....

That gives me  confidence in recommending this particular shop....

 

There are no perfect shops....

 

By all means, if you know of a bunch of superior shops and their specialties - recommend them....

We're in Thailand & there is no ASE certs (which actually means very little) so finding a modern, schooled, well equipped shops - so when found, we'd all benefit if made known ....

 

Side note:

"A" shop (mentioned here) - 7 trips 12+Baht  to fix A/C = had it finally done after finding Pro Auto & has stayed fixed since - years...

 

"B" repacked my wife's Honda CV joints = both axles popped out + wrong boots used - they also racked at the body which tweaked the trim...

 

"C" shop did a full service for next day trip - tow bill 15k + work needed because they forgot something.... Gave the benefit of doubt & tried a different branch = tried to rip me for 10k Baht.....

 

Coinicidentally those 3 shops do start with those letters....

thanks for taking the time to give your review .   long way out from my home...... but maybe give it a try.    

[dingdongrb]

9 hours ago, Dante99 said:

Good tire shop.  Going from Tesco Lotus kumtiang towards Chaang Puak (chotana) Road intersection on Super Highway access road, left side are two tire shops before the intersection.  The one with the Michelin sign has done wheel bearings and some front end work for me with good results.  Tall slim owner/manager test drives and checks stuff out with his mechanics.

 

it comes up listed as a tire store at that location on google maps

 

just after Volvo and Mr Car

That is exactly the place I have gone for many years. It was recommended by a good Thai friend that knows his autos. I have gotten 3 sets of top end Michelin tires (Pilot Sport) from this shop and a front end alignment each time. No complaints from me and I think the cost is fair.

[rumak]

Just now, dingdongrb said:

That is exactly the place I have gone for many years. It was recommended by a good Thai friend that knows his autos. I have gotten 3 sets of top end Michelin tires (Pilot Sport) from this shop and a front end alignment each time. No complaints from me and I think the cost is fair.

 

thx

 

 

 

[rumak]

the decision has been made.     I need my brakes done anyway........ so I will give ProAuto

a try.    Stay tuned for the official report ................ in a few days

 

[dingdongrb]

7 minutes ago, dingdongrb said:

That is exactly the place I have gone for many years. It was recommended by a good Thai friend that knows his autos. I have gotten 3 sets of top end Michelin tires (Pilot Sport) from this shop and a front end alignment each time. No complaints from me and I think the cost is fair.

 

[Lacessit]

5 hours ago, rumak said:

 

 

 

if turns out to be CV joint you will be nominated for POTY 2021 .

 

 

 

Get your pen out.

 

[rumak]

17 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Get your pen out.

 

 

after seeing that my bet is not on CV ..... no popping,  and the clicking is faint and not often during one wheel revolution.    ( I am more a rear end specialist )  LOL    

could be bearings...... but i heard this noise months ago when at the beach.   Guy cleaned up the brake a bit and noise went away.   So i am hoping it is something in that area and not the axle.      

this video is informative though..... thanks

[captainjackS]

I've had a similar experience with a subtle squealing while turning right at a certain speed 40-60 kph.   Asked a few "local" shops and they all thought it was related to brakes.  Bought new brake pads, no success to find the phantom.  The shop who did my brakes didn't charge me for labor because they felt that they did not solve original problem.  Then I went to the Isuzu dealer mechanic and they knew exactly the problem and had it fixed for 200 baht in 15 minutes.   Turned out to be lubrication of one of the 4WD parts.  So, all good intentions of everyone involved aside, .. the problem was resolved quickly by the mechanic who had extensive experience working on my specific model of pickup.  Mechanic familiarity with working on the specific car model can go a long way to fixing problems quickly.

[dingdongrb]

15 minutes ago, captainjackS said:

I've had a similar experience with a subtle squealing while turning right at a certain speed 40-60 kph.   Asked a few "local" shops and they all thought it was related to brakes.  Bought new brake pads, no success to find the phantom.  The shop who did my brakes didn't charge me for labor because they felt that they did not solve original problem.  Then I went to the Isuzu dealer mechanic and they knew exactly the problem and had it fixed for 200 baht in 15 minutes.   Turned out to be lubrication of one of the 4WD parts.  So, all good intentions of everyone involved aside, .. the problem was resolved quickly by the mechanic who had extensive experience working on my specific model of pickup.  Mechanic familiarity with working on the specific car model can go a long way to fixing problems quickly.

Was it really experience or was it that the mfg knew of the issue and alerted all the authorized service centers?

[grin]

In general we have had good experiences with ProAuto. However, my wife was not successful in getting some brake noise fixed after several trips there so I had to go in. I've never had any problems myself and I deal directly with Ton or his wife.

[captainjackS]

14 hours ago, dingdongrb said:

Was it really experience or was it that the mfg knew of the issue and alerted all the authorized service centers?

That is entirely possible too.   I was just happy that the problem was quick and cheap to fix.

[LivinLOS]

On 6/8/2021 at 7:15 AM, rumak said:

 

wow ,  sight (and sound)  unseen !   ( 2008 Toyota Vios,  BTW )   165 k   one owner 

 

friend Google :  

front end assembly may include tie rod ends, idler arms, pitman arms, a rack and pinion, ball joints, and shocks or struts. There are also a number of other parts that can fail

 

should be something in the steering components..... going straight no sound.   need to go slow and turn sharply to hear the click  click click .      When on rack the wheels are tight like they should be . 

 

if turns out to be CV joint you will be nominated for POTY 2021 .

 

 

 

Thats CV joint.. 

If its full lock turning on a tight radius, thunk thunk thunk in time with wheel revolution.. Then 99.9% diagnosis over just the description. 

Also unsure why toyota didnt pick that up or handle it.. Its a fairly simple routine thing. 

[rumak]

OK ............ here's what happened .  I decided Pro Auto was too far away  ( if need to go back for any reason it becomes a real pain) ........

So,  stopped in to my local Toyota that i do like .   BTW:  2008 Vios i bought new, 165 km , ONLY repair was to replace a water pump !   Of course do the normal oils/plugs  maintenance.

 

NOT A CV,   as the point some missed was the noise was just a slight clicking .  The  head mechanic (name is NOK)  heard it and thought :  coming from brake area.   cleaned/sanded a bit and noise gone.     CV joint boot intact and no problems. 

Total cost 250 baht.   In and out in an hour

 

BTW:  This Toyota branch on Superhiway  has always been great for me.   Yesterday he also checked brakes and said......  don't need to change pads yet.   Still another 20 k no problem.

AMAZING how quiet they are.  In the BC days always busy.   I do think with so many Thais in debt with house payments and car payments , the budgets are TIGHT.

 

Also,  if i was to replace a front end part on this older car i would go to a local garage. Toyota does not really "repair"..... their system is to replace,  and Toyota parts are expensive.     

[canthai55]

On 6/8/2021 at 12:36 PM, canthai55 said:

Sounds like CV joint in front axle.

 

On 6/8/2021 at 1:15 PM, rumak said:

 

wow ,  sight (and sound)  unseen !   ( 2008 Toyota Vios,  BTW )   165 k   one owner 

 

friend Google :  

front end assembly may include tie rod ends, idler arms, pitman arms, a rack and pinion, ball joints, and shocks or struts. There are also a number of other parts that can fail

 

should be something in the steering components..... going straight no sound.   need to go slow and turn sharply to hear the click  click click .      When on rack the wheels are tight like they should be . 

 

if turns out to be CV joint you will be nominated for POTY 2021 .

Read my post - I said it SOUNDS like ...

And you reply with a snarky comment - all the front end components you listed were not the cause either.

 

[rumak]

Just now, canthai55 said:

 

Read my post - I said it SOUNDS like ...

And you reply with a snarky comment - all the front end components you listed were not the cause either.

 

it was not intended to sound snarky .   sorry you took it that way  .   

i will refrain from commenting on your posts in the future ????

[rumak]

On 6/8/2021 at 11:20 AM, pgrahmm said:

Pro Auto on Hang Dong road....They have an up to date alignment rack....Tonn  will show in person or via Line any failed or needed part....

Honest, clean, & modern shop, English speaking....

Check out their FB page customer recommendations....

 

 

Just an update on my beloved 2008 Vios :   Having dodged an immediate repair on front end ,  and original brakes ........ I mentioned to the Toyota service guy that I was going to sell it.   ( About a month ago saw an ad from a Danish man selling his 2018 Vios with 20 k km on it.

It was like a new car for a bit over half the price, so i jumped on it)

Service guy called a dealer and a half hour later he bought my well kept 2008 for 157K.

Not bad,  and only repair in 13 years was replace a water pump.  But it will need some work soon.... and one car is enough.  Hope it finds a good home