PEDDERS SUSPESION

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 14:55
ThreadID: 138993 Views:5824 Replies:15 FollowUps:24
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Last week I had Pedders gateshead fit new front wheel struts and they left the old dust boots on.They don't even reach from top to bottom and are just floating there.

I was horrified, I always thought they were meant to be sealed to keep out dust.

So I filled out Pedders enquiry form which in turn I got a phone call from the dealer, we didn't see eye. He maintained you don't really need them but I wasn't given that option, and if you want them now it will still cost you.

Can I have some advice on
1 do I need them ? 2 should they be sealed both ends? 3 what should I do now?
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Reply By: Tomdej - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 16:16

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 16:16
For starters accept the fact that you know now where to avoid in the future.

As they want to charge you I would phone some other suspension specialists and find out if they believe the dust boots are necessary.

If they are deemed necessary I would ask them:
1. What they would charge for the parts
2. What they would charge for labour.

I would then go pack to pedders and ask them to fit new boots for the cost of the parts only.

I would also follow up again with head office.

Good luck.
AnswerID: 627442

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:23

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:23
for starters your right
but head office want talk to me , I cannot find any contact no
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Reply By: Batt's - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 16:27

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 16:27
I've only ever been to a Pedders w/shop once never again and would never recommend those armatures to anyone don't know how they stay in business. Oh that's right they pay a race car driver who has no morals to advertise for them.
AnswerID: 627443

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:27

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:27
your right I'll never go back even though the job isn't finished
they would be better off train dealer than advertising
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Reply By: Dave B18 - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 16:33

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 16:33
Went to Pedders once, *NEVER EVER EVER EVER* again.
Yet to speak to somebody that has been happy with Pedders.
Another place only went to once and never ever again is TJM.
AnswerID: 627445

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:29

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:29
now you've meet another never ever
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Reply By: swampy - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 17:35

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 17:35
Hi
Are the strut boots as per factory??
Some float and some are retained . That's for the factory units .
The aftermarket will depend on whats available .

Is the vehicle on or off road ???
AnswerID: 627448

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:34

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:34
no they don't supply boots with struts
I can't get an answer on that from the dealer

it's not an "off road" vehicle but we have most of the outback tracks
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Reply By: Hoyks - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 17:59

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 17:59
I've heard nothing good about Pedders, a mate dropped his wagon in there for some work and had one of their "safety check's" that told him his 3 month old suspension was worn and needed replacement. He took it to another mob that could have emptied his wallet, but told him there was nothing wrong with it.


Dust boots aren't really needed.
They will stop rocks and stuff flicking up there and hitting the piston rods and leaving scratches and nicks that could damage the seals, but they don't seal as such.

If they did, under compression the boot would blow up like a balloon, which they don't and they generally have a couple of 1/4" holes to vent through.
Even ones without the boot just have a tube with an open bottom that is only there to stop rocks and mud hitting the rod. On the high end shocks that are derived from racing, you don't even get a guard.




Off road bikes have boots and guards on the front forks to stop rocks being flicked from other bikes and damaging the fork tubes, on the rear they will just have a bit of plastic in the wheel arch to stop rocks flicking off the rear wheel, so even in that extreme environment they survive pretty well.

So, is the boot doing anything to protect the rod or causing wear, or is it just in there as decoration?

You have a couple of options:
*live with it and seethe every time you walk past
*live with it and point it out to anyone interested as the quality work you paid good $$ for
*pay someone to pull it out
*hack it out with a pocket knife
*ignore it leave it there
AnswerID: 627449

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:41

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:41
same experience with the brakes but the other way around
thank you, your advise has been most helpful
I might take the option to ignore it
thank you
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Reply By: RMD - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 19:26

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 19:26
Dola Dave
Let's get this right. Are you boots free floating and not attached at either end? If so it is a fitting fault and should be alerted to head office. The boot should be attached at the top so as not to collect anything and be held permanently at the top. When fully open, suspension on full droop, there will be some shock shaft visible but hidden for the most part. From what you have said so far, they stuffed up. And brand new boots would accompany the new struts. Deal with head office to discipline the local man who is simply conning you for his gain.
AnswerID: 627453

Follow Up By: dola dave - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 21:09

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 21:09
Yeah that’s right free floating.
But I cannot contact head office direct, they direct it back to the dealer.
Thanks to everyone for your input it’s been really helpful
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Follow Up By: RMD - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 22:10

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 22:10
Pedders head office can only direct it back to the dealer IF you provide your area code or transaction or some identifier to cause that directing to local dealer. You want to contact Pedders customer service/complaints. obviously head office wants to avoid doing anything and try and wash their hands of it, ie, take no responsibility.
You have to work around that preset form.
If you can find an email address for someone in Pedders system,ie, media or advertising or perhaps know the name of CEO, you can easily use same name format/email to get to someone who will take notice. I have done that with Elders and HCF medical to good effect. The CEO of HCF took immediate notice.
Play them at their own game with your rules!
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 22:56

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 22:56
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Dave,

You need to contact Pedders head office. You will find their information here.
Their phone (03) 9706 3500 will be answered by a non-executive person. Ask to speak to Tracy Vitale, (pronounced Vit-arr-lee") Executive Assistant to Managing Director, and politely express your problem to her.
In my experience, it is the "Executive Assistants" of this world who get things done.
Sorry, I don't have her direct email address.

Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:57

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:57
I cannot express my appreciation I will ring them immediately
Let you knoe how I get on Thank You
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Reply By: diver09 Dan - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 22:29

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 22:29
I have used Pedders . I have had no problems in SA . Boots should be used and I have taken mine back and had them fixed at no cost .
AnswerID: 627459

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:44

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 09:44
you were lucky
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Reply By: Michael H9 - Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 23:12

Tuesday, Aug 27, 2019 at 23:12
I had a Pedders free check and it found bad problems on nearly new suspension parts. I've been suspicious ever since and never gone back.
AnswerID: 627461

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 10:04

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 10:04
Don't or check the dealer out first
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Reply By: Malcom M - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 11:39

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 11:39
Like any mechanic, there's good and bad.

I use Pedders Auburn and they have been fantastic for me.
The owner owns (and uses) a 4WD so he understands what I want. I always get their checkup done before and after any major outing and they have picked up things I have missed.
That Pedders branch is brilliant.

My local Toyota dealer is an absolute shocker, others are good...
AnswerID: 627469

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 15:44

Wednesday, Aug 28, 2019 at 15:44
I totally agree
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Reply By: dola dave - Friday, Aug 30, 2019 at 11:02

Friday, Aug 30, 2019 at 11:02
The final out come is I've left the boots "as is" and if the Pedders struts wear out quicker because of it, then it's the soon I'll get new MUNROS to match the ones I've just put on the back, thanks for all your advice it was really HELPFUL
AnswerID: 627481

Reply By: Member - snippy - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 06:36

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 06:36
I had a full suspension upgrade on my LC100 done by Pedders, Coffs Harbour.

Towing our 3.4t van much better, very happy with their work.
AnswerID: 627506

Follow Up By: dola dave - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 10:16

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 10:16
I did too a few years back, that’s why I didn’t hesitate to go back.
I’m not knocking the product it’s the service or should I say the lack of customer service and/support from HQ
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Reply By: Ron N - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 12:06

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 12:06
Pedders in Morley, W.A., was set on fire, and gutted in Dec 2012 - I often wondered if it was done by an angry, dissatisfied, Pedders client!?

There was inference at the time, that the fire could have been set by thieves - but I've never seen any communication from the W.A. Police that they found the reason for the fire, or were looking for arsonists.

Suspicious fire damages Pedders Morley

Pedders never moved back into their Morley premises, despite the building being cleaned up, and renovated for commercial use again. They moved to Malaga instead.

However, as regards arson results, it took the W.A. Police 20 years to find enough evidence to catch the arsonists who burnt the Kwolyin Hotel, near Bruce Rock, W.A.

Kwolyin Hotel arsonists charged

As regards Pedders overall, Product Review has 32 user reviews on Pedders, and the largest proportion of those reviewers are not happy with Pedders performance.
20 of the 32 reviews there, rate Pedders at 1 star out of 5, for satisfactory service performance.

I suspect the reason is, the level of ability of the people they employ to work on suspensions, they generally aren't the dux of their class.

Product Review - Pedders

Cheers, Ron.

AnswerID: 627509

Follow Up By: dola dave - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:16

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:16
That’s very interesting!
I agree, as you probably read on my earlier reply I was given HQ phone number and it all sounded positive but the further down the line it went the more pear shape it went until the mechanic who was to fix it told me “he didn’t know what he was going to do, he had never worked on one of these before “ I walked out
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:25

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:25
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We all have to start somewhere Dave. lol
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: dola dave - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:32

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:32
This bloke was in his 50’s at least and said it like a watch dog on the end of his chain!
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Follow Up By: Ron N - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:49

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 14:49
How do you like the review left by Shaun M on Product Review?

He left his HSV Grange with Pedders Campblltown, NSW, for suspension repairs - and they tried to disconnect his dash cam.

However, they weren't successful - the dash cam continued to record, and it recorded the vehicle being driven in an abusive manner, speeding 40 kmh over the limit, being taken to redline RPM's, downshifting manually too early on test drives, and it also recorded Pedders employees watching DVD's on the car's media system!!

This indicates an exceptionally poor level of employee vetting and management, a lack of supervision, and a low quality level of employee.

When you place a vehicle worth $50,000 or $60,000 into the care of a business, you expect them to treat it with care and respect.

At least one other owner reported greasy fingermarks in their headlining after getting their vehicle back from Pedders.

Overall, the reviews indicate that numerous Pedders shops are pretty sub-standard, when it comes to customer service.

Cheers, Ron.
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Follow Up By: dola dave - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 15:31

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 15:31
You’re dead right all this sh- - could have been avoided if I had got customer service when I first walked in, as my wife said he didn’t say anything to you?
And it just got worse.
Pedders Gateshead has lost a customer and because Pedders HQ Melbourne or Sydney didn’t follow up Pedders has lost a fan
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 15:43

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 15:43
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So Dave, did you get anywhere with Pedders Head Office?
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: dola dave - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 16:35

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 16:35
Thanks again for that
I couldn’t get past the lady who answered the phone,but she convinced me that was her job and was surprised she hadn’t seen my email, would follow it up with Sydney who she thought should have already followed it up with me !
Sydney rang and started sounding like the dealer and I told him so.
I told him I wouldn’t take it back to Gateshead and he said he would organise for a local mechanic to look at it.
Pedders Gateshead tang I chose one and Pedders Gateshead asked if they could ring them first, so you can guess what happened, they were busy.for 2 weeks
I now know I made another mistake here.
I chose the mechanic that said my brakes were fine, because he was meant to be fitting the Sockers that day and Pedders had recommended him earlier .
He doesn’t believe boots are necessary (ok) but if you fit them they are to be sealed at the bottom?
Pretty well you will have got the gist of the end from my other reply
That was Wednesday and I have had no follow up from Sydney nor Melbourne
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 17:09

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 17:09
.
Well Dave, you tried your best shot.
It didn't work and you have learned something...... don't go there again!
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: dola dave - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 17:14

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 17:14
No way, I will see Munro’s go, thanks for your help
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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 17:39

Sunday, Sep 01, 2019 at 17:39
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In my opinion and in my experience, the best service in any enterprise is when it is owner-operated. And certainly NOT when it it is a branch of a corporation or a franchise.
A small owner-operated business totally depends on providing good service or it is out of business. Furthermore, you are dealing directly with the owner who can provide a decision without being responsible to head office. If you need to, you are talking directly to the boss and he knows that he needs you as a customer.
Cheers
Allan

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AnswerID: 627514

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 13:36

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 13:36
I’ve always done that, I had the same mechanic for over 20yrs until he started doing volunteer work over seas and was never there.
I had 1/2 a dozen problems with his manager the last been a ding in the back of my vehicle, which the owner, when he returned, wouldn’t believe his guys did
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 10:00

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 10:00
I have my vehicle serviced by a local Autotune dealer. This dealership is owner operated.
When the owner advised that my front shockers were showing signs of leaking, I did some research and thought I would try some high profile brands of shocks.
Although my dealer could source them he convinced me I would be wasting money unless I was doing a lot of rock climbing, etc. and gave me a couple of cheaper options. I ended up selecting a pair of Monroe Gas-Magnum TDTs and I am more than happy with their performance.
Guess where I'm going when the rear suspension needs attention.
Bill


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

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AnswerID: 627564

Follow Up By: dola dave - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 13:24

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 13:24
I think they’re probably what I got on the back now,
Heavy duty Munro from my local bloke
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Reply By: dola dave - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 13:41

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2019 at 13:41
Up date “the brakes squeak “
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