Anyone Know An Honest Clutch Mechanic?

[Somtamnication]

My vigo clutch is going. Toyota wants the car today and return it on the 25th!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, today, I barely made it to Karon and back. Slow going up the mountains.

Feel free to let me know here or pm me.

Thanks!!

[LivinginKata]

I recommend the garage in Chalong, from circle going towards Rawai, past Tesco on left, another 200m on the right side (just past/opposite Fisherman's way). He takes care of mechanicals on our 2 cars. Repaired my clutch. Very reasonable pricing.

[steelepulse]

Strangely enough my truck clutch is going also.Let me know how you go Somtamnication.

[keestha]

Clutch going in a truck I bought new, after about 180.000 km, resulted in a bill of 8263 Baht, they had to order a spare part for it.

[Somtamnication]

Toyota wants 14k. 60k km only. But bought in 2007.

Another mechanic wants 7k but not original parts.

Truck is my office. I cannot play with bogus or fake parts.

LIK, thanks for the info.

[Rickster]

Toyota wants 14k. 60k km only. But bought in 2007.

Another mechanic wants 7k but not original parts.

Truck is my office. I cannot play with bogus or fake parts.

LIK, thanks for the info.

Then you've answered your own question, take it to the dealer and swallow the price for peace of mind for genuine parts and fitting. These guys are changing these things day in day out....

Not forgetting you'll get a free car wash also from the dealer.....whoohooo!!!

Edited March 13, 2013 by Rickster

[LivinginKata]

I assume that the problem for the OP is the 12 days in shop to change a clutch

[transam]

I assume that the problem for the OP is the 12 days in shop to change a clutch

2 or 3 hours max.

[LivinginKata]

I assume that the problem for the OP is the 12 days in shop to change a clutch

2 or 3 hours max.

Right, so why are Toyota wanting the vehicle for 12 days ?

[transam]

I assume that the problem for the OP is the 12 days in shop to change a clutch

2 or 3 hours max.

Right, so why are Toyota wanting the vehicle for 12 days ?

Perhaps the ride is needed for something. . On any ride, 2 or 3 hours max. Vigo easy, not transverse engine.

[Ticketmaster]

Surely you jest? "Honest mechanic" is an oxymoron. If yu want honest work, you must stand there and watch the work and understand it. Inspect the parts he wants to replace real time, before authorizing it.

Even the Toyota dealer in Phitsanulok attempted to cheat me. I was in for an oil change and was waiting with my wife in the lounge. Guy comes in with a clip board, talks to my wife wanting authorization for something they found. I asked what. She said, "The brakes are worn out; they want to replace them." Having personally inspected them only one week before, I knew this to be bogus. I said "Whoa, lets go have a look."

We marched down there and I was shocked at what I saw. Here I was, in for only an oil change, and they had my front disk brake assemblies, right and left, completely disassembled. I'm talking, they had the calipers taken off and taken apart, etc. Anybody that knows anything about disk brakes knows you don't remove the calipers to replace the pads. The pads had a full 1/4" of an inch above the wear grooves (well over 50% and at least another 25-30,000 kilometers with my driving habits). I showed them the perfectly fine pads and snapped at them to put it all back together and that I had better see nothing on the bill about this. They seemed shocked by all this.

The average Thai knows nothing about cars, wouldn't know the difference between a break pad and a bamboo stick, and would simply have signed off as requested. I was pretty disappointed because I really wanted to trust the dealer.

By the way, if you want the work done at Toyota and do not want to be in a long queue, just get out of town. There are Toyota dealers all over. Just head north or south until you find one. South is better since north is toward BKK. You might have to drive 2 or 3 hours, but that's better than 12 days, is it not?

Edited March 14, 2013 by Ticketmaster

[steelepulse]

For whatever reason, garages here like you to bring your vehicle in to them and let it sit for a long period of time before they actually attend to the vehicle.Getting service done in a relative quck period of time is the exception and not the norm. Mrs SP explained to me that garages like to show that they are busy by having cars sitting around for long periods of time. Not sure if it's true,but it's as good an explanation as any.

[Somtamnication]

Err, yeah, I guess I can drive 2 or 3 hours and find another toyota dealer. And when the clutch goes halfway there? Humm...points to ponder.

Cheapest I found was 7k for god knows what. 12k from another mechanic, will get it back the same day. So far, price is coming down, slightly. But I need genuine parts, not bogus crap. Even rebuilt is ok, as long as it is toyo parts. But who knows what they do.

Will limp over to the place that LIK talked about. Will go there today sometime.

[Rickster]

Surely you jest? "Honest mechanic" is an oxymoron. If yu want honest work, you must stand there and watch the work and understand it. Inspect the parts he wants to replace real time, before authorizing it.

Even the Toyota dealer in Phitsanulok attempted to cheat me. I was in for an oil change and was waiting with my wife in the lounge. Guy comes in with a clip board, talks to my wife wanting authorization for something they found. I asked what. She said, "The brakes are worn out; they want to replace them." Having personally inspected them only one week before, I knew this to be bogus. I said "Whoa, lets go have a look."

We marched down there and I was shocked at what I saw. Here I was, in for only an oil change, and they had my front disk brake assemblies, right and left, completely disassembled. I'm talking, they had the calipers taken off and taken apart, etc. Anybody that knows anything about disk brakes knows you don't remove the calipers to replace the pads. The pads had a full 1/4" of an inch above the wear grooves (well over 50% and at least another 25-30,000 kilometers with my driving habits). I showed them the perfectly fine pads and snapped at them to put it all back together and that I had better see nothing on the bill about this. They seemed shocked by all this.

The average Thai knows nothing about cars, wouldn't know the difference between a break pad and a bamboo stick, and would simply have signed off as requested. I was pretty disappointed because I really wanted to trust the dealer.

By the way, if you want the work done at Toyota and do not want to be in a long queue, just get out of town. There are Toyota dealers all over. Just head north or south until you find one. South is better since north is toward BKK. You might have to drive 2 or 3 hours, but that's better than 12 days, is it not?

Sorry but it would seem you don't know much about cars either. Most disc brake set ups require the brake caliper to be removed in order to change disc pads. On some motorcycles you can change the brake pads without taking off the caliper. In most cases on cars/trucks etc the caliper conceals the pads so normally ease back on the caliper piston ever so slightly remove what is normally 2 retaining bolts and the caliper comes off to access the pads which just slide out......

[Ticketmaster]

Surely you jest? "Honest mechanic" is an oxymoron. If yu want honest work, you must stand there and watch the work and understand it. Inspect the parts he wants to replace real time, before authorizing it.

Even the Toyota dealer in Phitsanulok attempted to cheat me. I was in for an oil change and was waiting with my wife in the lounge. Guy comes in with a clip board, talks to my wife wanting authorization for something they found. I asked what. She said, "The brakes are worn out; they want to replace them." Having personally inspected them only one week before, I knew this to be bogus. I said "Whoa, lets go have a look."

We marched down there and I was shocked at what I saw. Here I was, in for only an oil change, and they had my front disk brake assemblies, right and left, completely disassembled. I'm talking, they had the calipers taken off and taken apart, etc. Anybody that knows anything about disk brakes knows you don't remove the calipers to replace the pads. The pads had a full 1/4" of an inch above the wear grooves (well over 50% and at least another 25-30,000 kilometers with my driving habits). I showed them the perfectly fine pads and snapped at them to put it all back together and that I had better see nothing on the bill about this. They seemed shocked by all this.

The average Thai knows nothing about cars, wouldn't know the difference between a break pad and a bamboo stick, and would simply have signed off as requested. I was pretty disappointed because I really wanted to trust the dealer.

By the way, if you want the work done at Toyota and do not want to be in a long queue, just get out of town. There are Toyota dealers all over. Just head north or south until you find one. South is better since north is toward BKK. You might have to drive 2 or 3 hours, but that's better than 12 days, is it not?

Sorry but it would seem you don't know much about cars either. Most disc brake set ups require the brake caliper to be removed in order to change disc pads. On some motorcycles you can change the brake pads without taking off the caliper. In most cases on cars/trucks etc the caliper conceals the pads so normally ease back on the caliper piston ever so slightly remove what is normally 2 retaining bolts and the caliper comes off to access the pads which just slide out......

You sure as hell do not have to remove the brake caliper on my Toyota Tiger Pick-up. I've changed the pads. Nor on any Toyota or Honda or VW I have ever owned and there have been a lot of them. They had parts spread all over the place. I have changed dozens of brake pads on dozens of vehicles, and NEVER have I had a bucket of parts like they had. I was there; I know my truck; it was shocking. Obviously, I do not know about a vehicle I have never worked on, but I sure know mine. What a cheesey post, Rickster,

[LivinginKata]

We seem to have wandered a very long way from recommendation of a clutch repair mechanic. Now it's a full scale discussion about brake/disc repairs. Please move back to the original topic, thank you.

[Rickster]

Surely you jest? "Honest mechanic" is an oxymoron. If yu want honest work, you must stand there and watch the work and understand it. Inspect the parts he wants to replace real time, before authorizing it.

Even the Toyota dealer in Phitsanulok attempted to cheat me. I was in for an oil change and was waiting with my wife in the lounge. Guy comes in with a clip board, talks to my wife wanting authorization for something they found. I asked what. She said, "The brakes are worn out; they want to replace them." Having personally inspected them only one week before, I knew this to be bogus. I said "Whoa, lets go have a look."

We marched down there and I was shocked at what I saw. Here I was, in for only an oil change, and they had my front disk brake assemblies, right and left, completely disassembled. I'm talking, they had the calipers taken off and taken apart, etc. Anybody that knows anything about disk brakes knows you don't remove the calipers to replace the pads. The pads had a full 1/4" of an inch above the wear grooves (well over 50% and at least another 25-30,000 kilometers with my driving habits). I showed them the perfectly fine pads and snapped at them to put it all back together and that I had better see nothing on the bill about this. They seemed shocked by all this.

The average Thai knows nothing about cars, wouldn't know the difference between a break pad and a bamboo stick, and would simply have signed off as requested. I was pretty disappointed because I really wanted to trust the dealer.

By the way, if you want the work done at Toyota and do not want to be in a long queue, just get out of town. There are Toyota dealers all over. Just head north or south until you find one. South is better since north is toward BKK. You might have to drive 2 or 3 hours, but that's better than 12 days, is it not?

Sorry but it would seem you don't know much about cars either. Most disc brake set ups require the brake caliper to be removed in order to change disc pads. On some motorcycles you can change the brake pads without taking off the caliper. In most cases on cars/trucks etc the caliper conceals the pads so normally ease back on the caliper piston ever so slightly remove what is normally 2 retaining bolts and the caliper comes off to access the pads which just slide out......

You sure as hell do not have to remove the brake caliper on my Toyota Tiger Pick-up. I've changed the pads. Nor on any Toyota or Honda or VW I have ever owned and there have been a lot of them. They had parts spread all over the place. I have changed dozens of brake pads on dozens of vehicles, and NEVER have I had a bucket of parts like they had. I was there; I know my truck; it was shocking. Obviously, I do not know about a vehicle I have never worked on, but I sure know mine. What a cheesey post, Rickster,

Check out the link below 1.40sec to 2.00.....

Well it's a Vigo and it sure as hell looks like he's removing the brake caliper to access the brake pads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C648-j8-USQ

Edited March 14, 2013 by Rickster

[Rickster]

Point taken LIK..... i'd already posted before i read yours.

Just don't like folk giving false info to others that's all.....

Anyways back to crutches!!

Edited March 14, 2013 by Rickster

[Somtamnication]

Thank you.

[traveldog]

I will second the recommendation that lik gave regarding good mechanic in Rawai. His name is Muud and is very honest IMHO. Will usually tell you when to bring in the vehicle so he can have a fast turn around. He will need time to get the part etc....anyway he has worked on my truck for over 5 years now and done a very good job.

[Somtamnication]

Thanks traveldog.

Can you pm me his phone number?

I was able to price the clutch directly from Toyota for 8k. I need a good mechanic to install it.

Today, the clutch is harder to press down or it goes straight to the floor...so only a matter of time.

Tks.

[Rickster]

If fitting a new clutch assy I would recommend you fit a new clutch cable at the same time. They stretch after time and the self lube inside the cable dries up. If you want the best feeling from your new clutch, complement with a cable also, not too expensive I shouldn't think here.....

[LivinginKata]

Clutch cable for a modern pickup ..... ??

[Rickster]

Clutch cable for a modern pickup ..... ??

Ok change cable if cable or bleed fluid if hydraulic clutch....which ever floats ya boat

[Somtamnication]

Good point. Tks.

[Somtamnication]

Luv to get the phone number of the place across (K.Muud) from Fisherman's Way. Anyone have it? I am scared to drive there and it goes out at Chalong circle.

[Somtamnication]

If anyone is interested, this book will help. Not double posting, but here is the tv link.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/626748-need-help-with-mechanical-thai-here-ya-go/

[steelepulse]

Any update there Somtamnication?

[Somtamnication]

Yeah, sorry, forgot to update.

So anyways....

A few friends (Thai friends of wifey) told me about a mechanic not far from Villa California. Wifey asked him how much and he said 12k. But 1300 if I bring the clutch.

So I went to Toyota, bought the clutch assembly (5 or 6 parts altogether, plus a new fan belt, just because) Took it to him at 9. His son brought me home. Picked me up at 3 pm!!!

He even showed me the bad clutch and explained what happened. With the fan belt install, he charged me 1700 baht. I gave him 2k and asked him to tip the mechanic.

Truck was so powerful when I put it in first gear, that it slipped and cut off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like a new car. I went to Karon today and it was like floating on air, it was as smooth as a baby's butt.

If anyone wants his name and number, pm me.

Oh, and I saved 2k by not going to Toyota and leaving the car for 10 freegin' days.

[Rickster]

Yeah, sorry, forgot to update.

So anyways....

A few friends (Thai friends of wifey) told me about a mechanic not far from Villa California. Wifey asked him how much and he said 12k. But 1300 if I bring the clutch.

So I went to Toyota, bought the clutch assembly (5 or 6 parts altogether, plus a new fan belt, just because) Took it to him at 9. His son brought me home. Picked me up at 3 pm!!!

He even showed me the bad clutch and explained what happened. With the fan belt install, he charged me 1700 baht. I gave him 2k and asked him to tip the mechanic.

Truck was so powerful when I put it in first gear, that it slipped and cut off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like a new car. I went to Karon today and it was like floating on air, it was as smooth as a baby's butt.

If anyone wants his name and number, pm me.

Oh, and I saved 2k by not going to Toyota and leaving the car for 10 freegin' days.

Sounds like a great result on time and money

did you ask him if he changes brake pads too!!!

Edited March 22, 2013 by Rickster