Broken wheel bearing & ext warranty problems

C

Clur23

Member
Hi

I've been the proud owner of an 04 Colour Storm for 12 months and 3days which I bought from my local audi dealer with an extended warranty of 12months. Unfortunately, whilst on holiday in the north of scotland on the last day of my warranty, a terrible noise was heard from the passenger front side. The only way I can describe the noise is as though a hollow steel pipe is being dragged along concrete with random clanks. Its loudest at low speed and is worse when going around corners.

I rang Stoke Audi on the same day, which was within my extended warranty to advise of the problem and to record it within the timescale. Including the RAC diagnosis of broken wheel bearing. I was bluntly told as there was no audi mechanic local to diagnose and 'clock' the job card, the work could not be done under warranty. Their only response was that they would give me a good price for the work, whatever was needed. The car is with them at the moment and should be checked tomorrow (tues), and I'm bracing myself for an astronomical estimate for the work!

To say I'm furious is an understatement as it clearly happened under warranty and its not my problem there was no audi dealership in northern scotland! I also assume that such a problem would not just appear suddenly and also in a relatively low mileage car (38k).

Since the RAC checked the car and stated a likely broken wheel bearing they advised I should not drive it at all, so was returned home / garage on a low loader. Its certainly a sight I never wanted to see and dont want to repeat.

I realise this is a long shot but I wondered if anyone had tips on how I can get the garage to see a little sense without dragging it through small claims etc or past experiences in terms of the wheel bearing problem.

Many thanks in advance.
Claire
 
A replacement bearing should be well under €200, including fitting. There is, however, one small point to be made: there's a special tool necessary for removing parts of the assembly, so it's not something that can be done by everyone.

TBH, I would not see a bearing as being covered under warranty. It's "normal wear and tear" unless you can prove it was a material problem, which is going to be extremely difficult.

For the amount involved and the hassle, I'd bite that bullet. That may not be the answer you want to hear, but I don't see how you can get around it.

Bret
 
I've had my A2 a year next week.When I bought it I also bought a 12 month warranty for £259.00 with Black Horse. I got the re-newal documents last week and the wheel bearings are covered!

If Stoke Audi dont do this work under warranty they are a disgrace. Biting bullets should not be an option.
 
Thanks for both your replies. Whilst I waited for the quote from the dealership I contacted the warranty customer care team who immediately replied without question, 'yes its covered, it happened during your warranty period!' They were surprised when I said the dealership had said otherwise and just asked for proof from the RAC / Audi assist that the breakdown had been reported on the said date.

All the drama was however over nothing, as the dealership came back to me this afternoon to say it was a stone in the brake mechanism and not the bearing as suggested by RAC. Very relieved with a only a £30 charge, but just wish I had not gone through all that drama, which was mainly due to the dealership being awkward re the warranty!

Cheers
Claire
:D
 
as trapped stones between disc and shield is apparently common on VW group cars (RAC came out to me with the same thing and diagnosed immediately, removed disc, removed stones and told me it was common prob) i am surprised the RAC/audi assist chap did not remove the disc at the roadside to check!
 
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