iharker

So in your opinion, a shop only going through dealers for parts might be a legitimate policy?

I had the dealership do the recall when they were installing my hitch wiring. I asked my independent mechanic if it was related to the work the dealership did and he said that it was more likely coincidental. But who knows who I can trust? Luckily the guy I bought it off caught wind of it (through my brother in law). As he rebuilds insurance write-offs, and this was one of his rebuilds, he felt bad for not catching that and is offering to pay for parts. So it still kind of sucks, but only half as bad.

Yes, independent mechanic. But the mechanic claims that none of the Dodge dealerships in the greater Vancouver area (2.6 million people) have this part, that it needs to be ordered from the US. Update: My brother in law (mentioned) says they have these parts available. Not necessary to go through Dodge. Is it standard for independent mechanics to go through Dodge and not other auto parts suppliers? At this point we are just waiting on a hose, until Friday.

Thanks. I had the recall taken care of the first week I had the car. Then this issue happened a few days later. So far it has been a rough go. I have asked my brother in law who runs a parts distribution company in a different part of Canada if they typically carry these parts. Waiting to hear back. Think it might be time for a new mechanic.

Hi, I just bought a 2011 Journey R/T. Drove it for a week until I found a puddle of power steering fluid in the driveway. It has spent the last week in the shop because my mechanic can't order parts except from Mopar, in Portland. I am in Vancouver, Canada and am blown away that parts like PS pump, rack & pinion and hoses aren't available locally. Is this common for these vehicles? I am starting to doubt my mechanic. It isn't the first time one of my vehicles has been in for over a week due to parts ordering. Also, he says these Journeys are notorious for power steering pump/R&P issues just under 60,000 miles. Any experience on this?