Are FORD Master Technicians worth the air they breath?

[n_hudson]

Just curious...

AFTER the numerous threads Ive posted up on here about the ABS issues I have been having the last few weeks... 

Replacing the Rear Wheel Bearing, ABS sensor, Wiring Extension, Rotating the Wheels, New Plug... 2 diagnostic sessions and now a MASTER technician session...

They have decided that I need to REPLACE BOTH REAR hubs???? AGAIN? Oh.. at a cost of £661!??? 

Im at the point now where I want them to just replace the module, but they seem to be refusing my request as "They don't think it will make any difference..."

Can some one PLEASE recommend me a decent FORD specialist garage in the Northampton Area so I can get another opinion. Im so fed up with this car.

The last 2 years (Owned from 1 year old) - Gearbox Refurb', Clutch+Flywheel+Slave, Drivers Driveshaft... just to mention a few, not including routine items etc... now it looks like I also need to replace either the Headlight unit itself or the XENON bulb/ballast as it flickers or doesn't come on at all. 

[st line x 140 driver]

sounds like you have had more trouble than the average owner. 🤔problem is most things have a shelf life. Repairing bits and pieces means you always keep having your head under the bonnet. Very hard to diagnose without seeing but i definitely would have faith in main dealer technician they are fixing problems like this so should have more knowlege than the average person.

[n_hudson]

8 minutes ago, st line x 140 driver said:

sounds like you have had more trouble than the average owner. 🤔problem is most things have a shelf life. Repairing bits and pieces means you always keep having your head under the bonnet. Very hard to diagnose without seeing but i definitely would have faith in main dealer technician they are fixing problems like this so should have more knowlege than the average person.

I know 😞

Im just ranting... needed to voice over the keyboard 🙂

Ive been a picked up the car, they showed me I know have codes for BOTH rear wheels now. The hub I had fitted at another garage, isn't a genuine part and he said that is likely why the original fault didn't clear and is just as intermittent as before.  I asked about the ABS module and he said in his 20+ years with Ford 17 years as a Master Tech, he has NEVER had to replace an ABS module on any car, so thats hopeful. 

So I grinned, bent over and agreed to have the work done next week when parts are in. 

They did knock off the £140ish diagnostic charge... but... still £661 seems so steep for 2 rear hubs 😞 on a 7-8 year old car. 

The real painful point right now, there's no codes or warning lights again., Ive just driven 30+ miles... 

[st line x 140 driver]

1 hour ago, n_hudson said:

I know 😞

Im just ranting... needed to voice over the keyboard 🙂

Ive been a picked up the car, they showed me I know have codes for BOTH rear wheels now. The hub I had fitted at another garage, isn't a genuine part and he said that is likely why the original fault didn't clear and is just as intermittent as before.  I asked about the ABS module and he said in his 20+ years with Ford 17 years as a Master Tech, he has NEVER had to replace an ABS module on any car, so thats hopeful. 

So I grinned, bent over and agreed to have the work done next week when parts are in. 

They did knock off the £140ish diagnostic charge... but... still £661 seems so steep for 2 rear hubs 😞 on a 7-8 year old car. 

The real painful point right now, there's no codes or warning lights again., Ive just driven 30+ miles... 

see people moan about diagnostic charge but as you say they knock it off the price - you wouldn't work for nothing. Is that discs or drums then there's pads/shoes brake fluid hand brake adjustment and a guarantee! 1/2 the bill probably labour cost too.

Cars are an evil necessity you either buy new and lose loads of money or at 5 years start paying for repairs. 

Least now the bad weathers here your brakes will work cold time of year to break down.

[n_hudson]

59 minutes ago, st line x 140 driver said:

see people moan about diagnostic charge but as you say they knock it off the price - you wouldn't work for nothing. Is that discs or drums then there's pads/shoes brake fluid hand brake adjustment and a guarantee! 1/2 the bill probably labour cost too.

Cars are an evil necessity you either buy new and lose loads of money or at 5 years start paying for repairs. 

Least now the bad weathers here your brakes will work cold time of year to break down.

It’s just the rear hubs 😞 

they were going to charge the diagnostic (30mins!) but the nice receptionist felt bad with it coming up to Christmas. I was actually online 15 mins prior to order a collection to scrap it. 

[st line x 140 driver]

4 minutes ago, n_hudson said:

It’s just the rear hubs 😞 

they were going to charge the diagnostic (30mins!) but the nice receptionist felt bad with it coming up to Christmas. I was actually online 15 mins prior to order a collection to scrap it. 

Are you sure hubs £100 each would still have to remove brakes to replace them. Think you will be surprised what work is involved if brakes removed then bleeding and handbrake would be included. I have found with past experience they quote worst case scenario so that when they present the bill it's cheaper you feel you have had a better deal. 

[n_hudson]

34 minutes ago, st line x 140 driver said:

Are you sure hubs £100 each would still have to remove brakes to replace them. Think you will be surprised what work is involved if brakes removed then bleeding and handbrake would be included. I have found with past experience they quote worst case scenario so that when they present the bill it's cheaper you feel you have had a better deal. 

It’s drums, so only drums off to replace the hubs. Brakes are mounted separate .

4 bolts hold the hubs in place, can’t be more than 15-30mins each side. 

[st line x 140 driver]

Still think at that price you will get your brakes adjusted complete with new brake fluid. possible new bearings in the drums as well. Drums don't easily come off hub have to still compress brake cylinders/rotate brake adjusters to remove and bleed afterwards. If fluid is hygroscopic would have to be replaced too. 

[n_hudson]

1 hour ago, st line x 140 driver said:

Still think at that price you will get your brakes adjusted complete with new brake fluid. possible new bearings in the drums as well. Drums don't easily come off hub have to still compress brake cylinders/rotate brake adjusters to remove and bleed afterwards. If fluid is hygroscopic would have to be replaced too. 

Lol nope, wheel off, bolt in hole drum... pulls off...

[st line x 140 driver]

All the cars i've ever had a drum brake on (i've had a lot) has never just pulled off. Shoes need to be retracted as drum wears they undercut and have to be retracted. Unless you take centre hub nut off still you need to disconnect brake pipe to cylinder. Hence bleeding after normally with new fluid in complete system. Adjust handbrake once fully bled. They aren't going to give your car back with doggy brakes - i retract that i had a fluid change from main dealer before for an mot. It was January a gust of wind blow my bonnet back cracked windscreen. Gave me a hire car while fixing. When finally ready for pickup they forgot to put brake fluid in lucky my handbrake worked!😒

[n_hudson]

Fault has been cleared. 

The SKF ABS hub provided by ECP was faulty. 

After £660ish at Ford, they replaced BOTH rear hubs with THEIR SKF hub units, that came with sensors, as faults had been stored for both sides. 

Fault cleared and has been for a number of weeks now. 

Thanks to ALL who read, commented or messaged me for your help.