Ballantyne
They tried to scam me out of a $1600 (initially $2099) rack and pinion replacement when I got my state inspection from them. After realizing that the "oil leak" they pointed out was clearly really old oil that was so dry i could rub it off my finger without any left over residue, I decided to get a second opinion from a reputable shop and they passed it even after I pointed the "leak" woodies showed me out to them. The shop I went too told me there was absolutely nothing wrong with the rack and pinion and that the residue might not even have been from the rack and pinion... Admittedly I probably shouldn't have gone to a repair shop for an inspection considering the conflict of interest, however its also true that they lied to my face, and are pretty scummy for that, I wouldn't recommend going to a place like this for any reason as you'd never want to to get repairs done from people willing to lie to your face like that.
First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologize that your experience with our shop left you feeling dissatisfied. We genuinely appreciate your visit and value all feedback, as it helps us continue to improve. That said, we must adhere to the standards set by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), particularly regarding safety and emissions inspections. Per NCDMV regulations, any leak within the power steering system is considered a safety hazard. While we understand the cost of replacing a steering rack can be overwhelming, it was important for us to show you the visible leaks and explain our findings transparently. A power steering fluid leak, if left unaddressed, can potentially lead to steering malfunctions, which poses a serious risk to vehicle safety. For this reason, we were required to mark the inspection as a fail. We understand that you were able to obtain a passing inspection at another facility. Unfortunately, this does happen on occasion. However, it’s important to note that not all facilities follow inspection guidelines as strictly as required. The state has protocols in place to monitor such inconsistencies, as leniency in inspections can compromise driver safety. Please rest assured, scamming or misleading our customers is not—and never will be—a part of our business model. Our goal is to provide honest, accurate information and to prioritize the safety and well-being of every customer. We understand this level of diligence may not always be comfortable, but our commitment is to act in your best interest as professionals. You were provided with a link to the digital vehicle inspection, which includes clear images showing the leaks from the power steering rack and pinion. In addition, while you were at the shop, we personally took you out to the vehicle and showed you the leak in real time. These documented findings—including the photos—serve as valid justification for failing the vehicle under North Carolina safety inspection guidelines. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position, and we are always open to further discussion if you have any remaining questions or concerns. Warm regards, Woodies Auto Service-Ballantyne
- Ballantyne