Hi,
2 months ago I had a new drive shaft and wheel bearing fitted to the front passenger side of my Renault Clio (1.4 1999 model) by Nationwide Autocentre (Huddersfield).Whilst driving for the first time on the motorway after having a new drive shaft and wheel bearing fitted, I found that I started to lose control of the vehicle at high speed. The vehicle started to knock and shake that made me lose control. After making a stop I decided to take the car to a local (Morley) Motosave garage.
They found that certain parts were not fitted property by Nationwide Autocentre. The front wheel had a lot of play and was loose and was easily moved. Basically the main Nut/Bolt was not tightened. The mechanic told me that I was extremely lucky that I did not have a major accident which may have resulted in major injury to me and my family. They made report for me to take to Nationwide.
Whilst driving I found the car made a squeaking noise which was constant and crunching noise everytime I used the breaks coming from the front passenger side wheel.
So I went to nationwide,they apologised and fitted a new Wheel Bearing and made sure that all parts were fitted properly. As soon as I took the car out for a test run I found that the car started to make a crunching noise in the same area. I took the car back and they replaced the brakes and charged me for it. Again the noise had not gone. Again I had to make another trip to Nationwide. They checked the disk which were in good condition. Today they have told me that they think that I need a new FLANGE??
Could some kind individual tell me what a Flange is and weather damage to it could have been caused because the main nut/bolt was not tightened properly or play in the wheel. I dont want to pay for a new flange if the problem was caused by work that was not done properly by Nationwide Autocentre when they fitted the drive shaft & wheel bearing.
Every occasion I went to Nationwide, the mechacics team up in 3-4's and downtalk to be and try to make me feel stupid so that I dont come back.
Any help is much appreciated..