Well as some of you may remember, in July I had to replace the harmonic balancer on my 94....well about $600 later ($480 for the part, $100 and change for the labour) I was back on the road, albeit somewhat depressed. :P

Well...

Today, driving around, and I hear a similar sound as I did when the balancer went. Frustrated, I attempt to determine what is causing the noise, only to discover it is coming somewhere from the accessory drive. So, angry, I drive back to the shop that "fixed" it for me. They get the car up on the hoist, and get the balancer off.

Sure enough, it was defective. It'* being replaced for free (mainly 'cause I'm a big guy and don't take **** from people, they were hesitant since there are 5000 kms on the part), but it still angers me. I mean, why are we paying $480 for a $200 (or less part) that obviously isn't "GM Quality" as they would have you believe.

Ok, ok, I know **** happens and no one is perfect, just makes me mad. Anyways I've vented so thanks BC! Feeling better already!

$480 for the balancer? Even in Canadian $$, you got burned bad. I paid less than a 1/4 of that for the balancer on my 95 in July.

I realise I could have gotten it for less, but it was a time-sensitive repair (needed my car bad), and the only place I could get it in less than a week was from the dealer.

Lethbridge is pretty lame for parts availability.

You are in a tough location for sure.

Just be aware, most GM parts are cheaper than a similar Import part. And it'* even easier for us in the States.

You mean for a part that is manufactured elsewhere, or for an "import" car? (IE Honda, Nissan, etc)

Best bet, call them up, and say, hi im so and so from such a GM dealership, i need this, part number, price and availability for pickup..LOL
DDDiiscount..to bad its not always that easy.