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I have recently had both front lower ball joints replaced by a mechanic on my Toyota Altezza.

Apparently in removing the old ball joints vibrations were sent through to the ABS sensor and the mechanic has advised that this is very common and the sensor will need to be replaced.

The problem we have is that we have to pay for the new sensor. I don't believe I should have to pay for something that was working fine when the vehicle was first brought into the workshop.

The mechanic even admitted that it was due to removing the ball joints. Where do I stand and should I be paying for the new sensor?

Katie

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010

In my opinion this is simply poor workshop practice by your mechanic. I could accept a failure like this happening once but to say it's a normal occurrence is not acceptable.

I suspect the vibrations were caused by hammer blows to the lower suspension arms in a effort to break the taper on the ball joint (the two are connected). If I am correct, then there are specific tools that can be purchased to avoid the need to attack the suspension arm with repeated hammer blows.

These tools should be used all the time but particularly if the vehicle has ABS fitted.

If the mechanic feels this is common practice in his workshop then he had a duty to tell you this before the job was started. And if it's common practice why did he not remove the sensor first to avoid damage.

Go back to the mechanic and say you are not happy with this explanation and unless he can convince you otherwise tell him you are not paying for the sensor.

If you have no luck and the garage are members of the MTA, give them a call and lodge a complaint. The number is 0508 682 633.