[Nodacan]

So I installed some new front end components, including tie rods and the tie rod dust boots. 2 or 3 weeks ago I took the pilot to a shop for an alignment, after which I noticed the dust boots were twisted on both passenger and driver side - they have holes now so they need to be replaced at this point.

To get twisted around like that, the only reasoning I can think of is that the inner tie rod was rotated for the adjustment, but the outer part of the boot was not held in place/loosened. It seems exactly like this post from a Taurus forum: Wheel alignment disappointment
This seems like the obvious answer but the shop doesn’t seem to agree - I’m not going crazy here am I? I’ve reallynever had an issue with this shop before, so any other opinion is appreciated.

 

[aggrex]

Sure looks like some wheel alignment disappointment. I’ll add that to my service checklist

 

[Danielle46323]

So I installed some new front end components, including tie rods and the tie rod dust boots. 2 or 3 weeks ago I took the pilot to a shop for an alignment, after which I noticed the dust boots were twisted on both passenger and driver side - they have holes now so they need to be replaced at this point.

To get twisted around like that, the only reasoning I can think of is that the inner tie rod was rotated for the adjustment, but the outer part of the boot was not held in place/loosened. It seems exactly like this post from a Taurus forum: Wheel alignment disappointment
This seems like the obvious answer but the shop doesn’t seem to agree - I’m not going crazy here am I? I’ve reallynever had an issue with this shop before, so any other opinion is appreciated.
View attachment 162230
View attachment 162229

They damaged them because the boots don't rotate like CV joints. You're going to have to argue with the manager/owner that is if you don't have before and after pictures. Someone (we all know who) didn't release the boot clamps (at the outer end) because the inner rod has a large nut that screws onto the steering rack itself and it's a ball and socket joint there. Now how the "mechanic" didn't see or know this was happening is beyond me, moving the clamps off the boots is one of early steps. Take your receipts for the argument, you may have to call corporate.

 

[Pedro125]

So I installed some new front end components, including tie rods and the tie rod dust boots. 2 or 3 weeks ago I took the pilot to a shop for an alignment, after which I noticed the dust boots were twisted on both passenger and driver side - they have holes now so they need to be replaced at this point.

To get twisted around like that, the only reasoning I can think of is that the inner tie rod was rotated for the adjustment, but the outer part of the boot was not held in place/loosened. It seems exactly like this post from a Taurus forum: Wheel alignment disappointment
This seems like the obvious answer but the shop doesn’t seem to agree - I’m not going crazy here am I? I’ve reallynever had an issue with this shop before, so any other opinion is appreciated.
View attachment 162230
View attachment 162229

No way your at fault this was caused by the alignment place being incompetent and won’t take the hit put that place on blast on yelp to let people know what kind of establishment this is and lousy service

 

[Nodacan]

Yeah not happy about this. Manager essentially said that since they didn't install the boots, I did, and that I put the zip ties on too tight, it's not on them that they twisted up during the alignment. Said they should have been looser to allow the tie rod to rotate.
I'm kind of shocked because I've had nothing but great service from this place for the longest time. He did offer to check the alignment if I want to install new ones, but I don't think they're budging much past that..

 

[aggrex]

If the zip ties were on too tight that could have been an obstacle for the alignment tech but he/she should have informed you that the boots had become twisted and would require repair or adjustment. If you decide to replace the boots I'd take them up for a re-alignment assuming you got good service from them in the past.

 

[Nodacan]

If the zip ties were on too tight that could have been an obstacle for the alignment tech but he/she should have informed you that the boots had become twisted and would require repair or adjustment. If you decide to replace the boots I'd take them up for a re-alignment assuming you got good service from them in the past.

Agreed, could be an obstacle, but that's what gets me - no one said anything. Basically saw the twisted boot and was like "yep, that'll do" and gave me my car back 🙃

 

[Tacoma'03Pilot]

You're right, of course, but this seems like one of those "move on" scenarios. You need to find another place to get alignments done anyway - you might be happier and closer to a good solution by getting another pair of links and starting over, vs. fighting with someone apparently disinclined to take care of his customers.

 

[Nodacan]

You're right, of course, but this seems like one of those "move on" scenarios. You need to find another place to get alignments done anyway - you might be happier and closer to a good solution by getting another pair of links and starting over, vs. fighting with someone apparently disinclined to take care of his customers.

Yep! That's pretty much where I'm landing with this, not worth my time to push it with them any further.
I appreciate everyone's opinions on this, glad to know I wasn't crazy to think that lol

 

[20Piloteer07]

If the shop is willing to lose a customer over this, so be it.