When I was looking for a place to replace the rear pinion bearing and pinion seal I saw all the 5 star reviews about this place and Ed. The start of my experience was 5 star. I drove my dodge truck in and talk to Ed. They quoted me $700ish for and $1500ish if the all the gears in the rest end needed to be replaced. I sat there and looked into Ed’s eyes and said “good, that’s what I was expecting and what I can do. I just don’t want to be surprised with a $5k bill.” He assured me and said “look at my reviews, I try to over quote so people are not surprised.” That was the perfect answer. That was the last I heard from Ed. I left on a business trip excited to have my truck fixed when I returned. After a week of not hearing anything I called, I received no answer and no return phone call. My wife stopped by to find out that no one knew anything an and there was some illness that had spread through the office. All very reasonable. A few days later I called back and found out that sometime between when I dropped it off and when I called the rear end had “exploded” and the whole rear end needed to be replaced. I know the rear wasn’t exploded when I dropped it off because I wouldn’t have been able to drive it to the shop or get it into park. The reason they couldn’t just replace the broken pieces (which they would have had to remove to replace the pinion, bearing and seal in the original job) was because when they replace the gears in the back end they are not able to get the “shims” right and it doesn’t work. The kicker was it would cost about 5k to repair. I wish I had a good and honest experience as you all have had.
Update 07/27/2023:
I contacted the shop. From the response I hoped that they had some intention of making things right. I emailed and received no response, so I called. The manager said we didn’t do anything wrong and rebuilding can’t be done. I was hoping for an apology for not communicating, and not being clear with what their capabilities were. But I got nothing and it was clear they have not intention of trying to make things right. I am beyond disappointed, I strongly encourage people to bypass this shop and find a honest, straightforward shop to fix their car.
10/2/23 i towed my car here for a transmission evaluation. After confirming with the front desk they were capable of replacing a transmission in a 99 integra if that was needed.
10/5/23 Shop calls and confirms a new transmission is needed.
10/10/23 they quoted 3100 to replace said transmission. I said no problem and paid half up front. They confirmed car would be done 10/13/23.
10/15/23 Shop called me and said they cant find a transmission for this model. Shouldn't this have been verified prior to asking for the deposit?
10/23/23 They still can't find a transmission.
10/30/23 The shop asked if i can find the transmission for them.
11/3/23 I asked the shop what transmissions are compatible they said they weren't sure.
12/8/23 I fly up to Seattle buy the transmission and deliver the trans mission to the shop for them to install.
12/12 Shop quotes 968 to install the transmission and said the car would be ready end of the week. Keep in mind I've already paid 1461.00
12/15 Called the shop and of course car wasn't started and wouldn't be finished until Monday because the have staff coming in that weekend to specifically finish my car.
12/18 Called to see if it was finally finished and again a new excuse his staff called out on Monday....
12/21 Car still isn't complete and new excuse is the mechanic quit without notice......
12/22 I called left 2 voicemails no answer.
12/26 They hired a new mechanic and he is going to get it done.
12/27 Now there are missing bolts so they cant finish the job. The bolts are in Portland. The shop gives me the drawing of what bolts are needed i go to Portland buy the bolts and bring them to the shop.
1/3 The drawing of the bolts THEY gave me that THEY needed was wrong.....
I drive around to local shops and find the right bolt they need bring it to the shop at 2pm and they said they cant put the bolts in until tomorrow keep in mind they close at 6pm.
All of this for a simple 99 integra transmission replacement. i have emailed the owner twice no response and i have asked for the owners phone number to discuss this matter with no response back. He owns the Renton shop and Lakewood aamco. Based on this experience i high suggest you don't take your vehicle to either of these 2 shops.
