Missy’s (semi) Annual Checkup

Missy was due for her annual checkup about seven months ago.

The far east trip trip that we were on took me very near the bus shop that did her last checkup so I decided to use them again.

Once again, I was reminded that I am a horrible communicator.

Emailing the shop started more than a month prior to my arrival. I worked out an EXACT date (Tuesday) for them to work on her and gave them an EXACT list of things to work on and background for each item. They said they might need to keep her overnight.

When I dropped Missy off, they said they hoped to get to her sometime that WEEK!

I know the mechanic that did the work and he told me that he did not receive ANY of the information that I provided (things to work on and specifics about each item).

The only call I received was on Thursday and that was from the air conditioning guy. He was having a problem getting the chassis A/C working and looking for more information. Of course, the A/C was not even on my list so I told him to stop. Other than that, I didn’t receive any updates during the week unless I texted my friend. Friday afternoon at about 3:30, I texted my friend asking what the status was. He said I could come pick her up.

Clearly, I failed to communicate, again… 🙁

The list of major items accomplished was changing the engine oil/filters, fuel filters, coolant filter, and air filter. The chassis was lubed and inspected. Two rear suspension air valves were replaced to fix the leak.

Oh wait… the air leak has probably not been mentioned yet!  I’ve been busy…  I noticed an air leak coming from the rear suspension while in Minnesota. It wasn’t a problem when the engine was running (the compressor could keep up) but caused the rear end to drop once shut down.

Additionally, they found a front shock that was mounted incorrectly (missing a bushing). That shock was replaced about a year ago by a shop in Minnesota. This is the second workmanship failure by that shop – at least that has been found so far. I’m none too happy about that. I wonder how many more will be found??

Sadly, nothing was found that might be causing the vibration so they took her for a drive. They agree that is coming from the back but feel that it is tire/wheel related. Of course, the tire/wheel people think it is something else. So, I’ll continue to enjoy it for the time being.

They did find that the tag axle anti-sway bar bushings were very worn. However; the new bushings had to be ordered so they could not be replaced then and there.

When it came time to leave, they were able to communicate how much money I owed them. Interesting how that works.

Look at that dirty motor – poor thing…

A week later, after the new tag axle anti-sway bar bushings arrived, we went back in to have them changed.

This time, the plan was to arrive by 8:30 AM Tuesday morning. As before, work was to begin right away and I explained that it was a work day for me and I would be waiting while they did the work.

When I arrived, the same song and dance started but I refused to play along. Amazingly enough, the work was done and I was driving home by about 11:00 am.

Sadly, the anti-sway bar bushings had nothing to do with the vibration. So that is still something to figure out.

My health insurance likes to remind me often that an annual checkup is a good thing.  I guess Missy should be happy!!