Hi guys,
Id like to share something that recently happened to me and see what approach you would take.
My HK ute had just finished getting its brakes all fitted etc. Was rolling fine while in the workshop. Ordered a
tilt tray from a local towing company to deliver back home. When being loaded onto the tow truck, (confirmed by employees at brake shop) the front was loaded and it was apparent that it would have the rear of the ute towed on the road.
Upon arriving home, it had discovered that it was not a tilt tray like I had specified and it was being driven on the front tyres, so there obviously had been a switch along the journey home somewhere.
Tow truck driver drove (reversed) it straight into the shed. Upon going to close the roller door, I attempted to move it in a little further, it wouldn't move. Double checked hand-brake was off, all good but still would rock back and forth like the handbrake was stuck.
Upon ringing the guy at the brake shop, he suggested loosening the adjustment on the handbrake and trying again. When that had been unsuccessful I informed him and he drove out to have a look at it for me.
Upon jacking the back right up, it was verified that the rear wheels were still locked, even with the handbrake off and discs free of the calipers. He said the diff is locked up, which makes sense as you can see the rear wheels are now half bald and shredded in some places.
So it seems the driver started towing it on the back wheels, and when it started dragging he swapped to the front (the rear tyres further validate this point). I'm guessing maybe as the diff housing is not full with oil yet (my mate assembled the diff and I recall him saying he put a tiny bit of old oil in until everything was good to go), this is the reason the bearings?? in the diff centre have locked up.
I had specifically ordered a tilt tray, as I have never liked those other tow trucks for rolling shells (apart from the fact that it wasnt suitable to be towing on the front or rear in that condition).
I am mostly annoyed the driver failed to inform me that something had happened along the way, he would surely have to know as the tyres would have left HUGE skid marks and he had to swap the towing ends around. I had this driver previously on the same car and he seemed interested in the project.
My question is after all of this, how would you approach this situation initially? I plan to go in person to the office and pretty much rehash what I have said here, in a nice manner. Ultimately I would like an apology and for them to cover the cost of fixing the problem they have caused.
I'm worried that they will deny it until their faces are black and blue, what steps should I take if this unfortunately is the case? If anyone has any advice/comments or been in a similar situation please let me know!
Marty
Edited by user Tuesday, 31 March 2009 3:29:49 AM(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified
