Any mechanics out there I need an opinion...we're being told by Mechanic A that our wheel studs and nuts are stripped because incorrect lug nuts were put on or the lug...
Kathleen D. replied:
Well the company who I believe caused the problem is Canadian Tire between Bath and Princess Street.
Neal C. replied:
Hey Kathleen. I am a licensed mechanic. With that being said, I do not wish to be thrown into this "mechanic A, mechanic B" issue. I also do not wish to be brought into any civil law issues. I have not seen any damaged components and/or addition information regarding this issue. I only wish to comment on the question at hand. Could have Mechanic B (the original mechanic) caused the damage? In short, Yes. 1. The lug nuts could have been the wrong ones for your vehicle. (Why would they have put different ones onto your vehicle? If they did, why weren’t you charged for them? Possibility = LOW) 2. The lug nuts could have been cross-threaded. (all ten lug nuts on one side? Possibility = LOW) 3. The lug nuts could have been over torqued during installation. (In my experience, this is the most likely cause. Possibility = HIGH) Could have Mechanic A (the second mechanic) caused the damage? Slimly, yes. 1. If there was some sort of foreign material on the lug nuts, it could cause the lug nuts and lugs to bind while they were being removed. This in turn could strip the threads. (All ten on one side? Not likely. Possibility = LOW) In closing, I am going to recommend to you the same thing I tell my customers/friends/family. It may take some time but find a good mechanic… A mechanic that you can trust, that you know by name (and specifically ask for each time), and who is willing to talk to you personally if you have any questions/concerns. Once you have found ‘your mechanic’, stay with him/her! Be loyal! Don’t jump from garage to garage. Have your mechanic do everything for your vehicle… including oil changes. You get what you pay for. If a minimum wage kid is changing your oil at a quick-fill store, how much does he care if you ever come back? Or how much does he care about your car? A mechanic, on the other hand, wants loyal customers and wants to help. It maybe a little more expensive, but in the long run, it will save you money!