Midas Auto Service Experts?! Ha!
My rear brakes were making noise. I have front disc brakes, and rear drums. My fiance is a car/motorcycle expert who had checked out both sets of brakes the week before and determined I just needed the drums turned, and said when the drums are turned new pads should be installed also due to wear.
We took my vehicle into Midas and spoke to the manager. He said it was standard procedure to check both sets of brakes so my fiance and I left, stating what needed to be done to the rear brakes. We left with an estimate of about $180.00
We checked back later, and were told the front brakes were bad by a kid who looked to be about 20 years old. He looked completely bored with the entire scenario when my fiance looked at the disc brakes and pointed out to the "mechanic" and the manager that all was fine. The manager agreed and said there was nothing wrong; so we left.
We received a phone call stating there was something else wrong with the rear, and it looked like the drum couldn't be turned because of the ridge (s) inside. My fiance pointed out they could be turned one more time, the ridge and wear pattern was even. There was no uneven wear on the pads. The manager again agreed with this assessment and we left.
Then we received another phone call; my right rear cylinder was leaking and the uncertified "expert" "who had 23 years experience under his belt" thought this was unsafe. My fiance pointed out there was no fluid on the inside of the tire or any fluid anywhere. The so called "expert" pressed on the cylinder with his finger causing a few drops of fluid to exude. Of course fluid is going to come out if you press on it! Duh!
By the time we walked into the lobby area and spoke to the manager, my bill exceeded $400.00 if I agreed to have all the "necessary" repairs done.
In the managers defense; he clearly stated to me all his mechanics are not certified and he knew nothing about automotive mechanics. He depended on his mechanics being honest and telling him what's wrong.
They had already turned my drums; so I had them put the old pads back on; and my vehicle brakes don't make a sound now.
The manager waived all fees, so I got my drums turned for free. If my fiance hadn't been been with me, and been a knowledgeable person in this matter I would have been ripped off for between $400 - $500.00.
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