Expert: Carl Brandt - 11/28/2004

Question
  I had brakes replaced on my 1999 Lincon Navigator today 11/28/04 and whenI got the car back I thought the air suspension was off.  I pulled over and checked and the switch was on the on position.  The check like was on for the suspension.  I turned it off and waited for anout 5 minutes turned in on and nothing happened.  I believe, that despite my reminder for the body shop to turn off the suspension they may have forgotten.  Thier inspection prior to beginning work stated that the suspension system was fine.  What are the odds that the body shop will say that the suspension sytem probably just gave out and if they do decide that it is their fault, should I let them do the repair or demand that the dealer does it.  This shop does not do air suspension work that I am aware of.  How do you think I should handle this?

Chris Porter

Answer
Chris,

I hate it when this happens.  I have had several similar occurrences.  Just to cover yourself, you need to contact the shop that did the work first, and give them a chance to correct the problem at their expense.  If they can't do the work, then see if they will sub-contract the job to a shop that is qualified to do the work.
If they do try to cover up, what seems to me, their error, then I would try to find a reputable shop, and have the suspension checked out.  Let them know what had happened, and see if they can verify the cause of the problem.  Then take the estimate for repair back to the original shop.  If you think you are getting a run-a-round, or they refuse to correct the problem, then I would contact the bureau of automotive repair for your State, and see what they would suggest.  You should be covered, by their inspection of the suspension prior to the work, stating that the suspension was in operating condition.  Make sure that you do not give the original inspection statement to anyone.  If a shop would like it, give them a photocopy.

Carl