Eibach Spring Installation FAIL - Les Schwab

[SNKRspot]

Ugh... I am so disappointed. I took my brand-new 2019 GT2 in today to have Eibach springs installed. I chose to use a local Les Schwab to complete the job as I do not have the time or capacity and the cost seemed reasonable. But that's where it all seemed to go wrong...

After nearly 8-hours in, I called to check on the car. They said that it was being finished (aligned) and I could come pick it up. Upon initial inspection, it looked good (stance-wise). Until the employee mentioned that they had a major issue. They improperly lifted or set down the car and severely dented/damaged both side skirts (pics below). The only highlight seemed to be the fact that the employees were open, extremely apologetic and committed to paying for the replacement (though I have to supply 2 quotes).

Unfortunately, that's not the only issue that I experienced. It seems as though they did not install them correctly. Specifically, in they did not cut the bump stops as clearly called-out in Eibach's one-page direction sheet (also below). Despite my asking before installation (for some reason I foresaw this issue). When I asked about it at pickup, the stated that the directions were for the entire model-line and the GT already had shortened bump stops... Unfortunately, I wasn't informed enough to challenge or disprove this until after I came home and noticed that the instructions were vehicle specific and clearly showed the cut and graphic.

Now I don't know what to do. I don't feel like I can trust them to complete the job properly but I cannot realistically pay another shop to re-complete the job. Any advise?

 

[MerlintheMad]

Why not use the Kia dealership service department? At least you'll have a trained Stinger mechanic involved.

 

[SNKRspot]

Haven't had much luck with the dealer and "aftermarket" parts... Skipped them this time.

 

[OliverNuther]

Sorry for your misfortune mate. There’s nothing worse than taking precautions to avoid tragedy and then have some idiot ignore your instructions and tragedy ensues. As much as I hate to say get a lawyer involved, I think that’s probably what you need to do.

Even if it doesn’t seem feasible to you remember that your car has been devalued and it is going to cost you even more money to get it rectified. If you don’t rectify the problem your resale value takes a major hit.

In the first instance I would write to their Corporate office outlining the facts and proving copies of the documents you gave their branch and invite them to make good the damage in the interests of good public relations. But if they blow you off a lawyer is your only option.

 

[Never thought]

I feel your pain. I have a bent side skirt too but not sure if it’s from the dealer or a place that did work on my car as I didn’t notice right away. So I am SOL, but it’s very hard to notice.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Haven't had much luck with the dealer and "aftermarket" parts... Skipped them this time.

That's too bad. The Eibach rear sway bar is easy to put in with the right equipment, compared to springs, I know. But "my" dealer installed it without fuss. I hope you find a way forward with your springs fiasco.

I can't go with the lawyer recommendation until this is proven to be a hit. If the installation damages your car such that proper installation does not restore it perfectly, then yes consider that. They should definitely recompense you for the rocker panels. That stupidity is beyond the pale.

But until you've arrived at that point, you should just work with the installer to get the job done properly and recompense you somehow: or else the threat of social media storm will be followed through. Increasingly, negative reviews are like poison to a business; and the reverse is true. You can offer to give them a good review for making good on their mistake. Everyone makes mistakes (had an untrained kid drive my Stinger wrong into a car wash tunnel and rashed my left rims all to hell; the owner gave me enough car washes plus a wax job when I want it to equal the cost of restoring my rims; not a perfect solution, but an honest, forthright one).

 

[SKStinger]

My biggest concern here is the damage you can’t see. If it took them 8 hours to install the springs and they didn’t even modify the bump stops, what were they doing that took so long? What else did they damage and maybe not tell you about?

For the record, I installed mine in 6.5 hours without a lift, by myself.

I would take it to the dealership and have them inspect the suspension for damage and proper installation. They may be able to estimate the damage to the side skirts for you as well.

 

[RLittle]

It is interesting to see that the instructions say never use impact tools to remove shock and strut piston nuts.

It is the most common way it is done!