Wheel balancing problem - what would you do?

[xenon]

The situation is that a couple of weeks ago my car was at my local Audi dealer to replace a rear wheel bearing. Whilst it was there they advised me that the 2 front tyres were low on tread (which I was aware of) and for the sake of convenience got them to replace them there and then as the price was quite reasonable. The problem is that I'm getting slight steering wheel wobble at around 60MPH which suggests to me that the wheels are quite balanced right. I wasn't aware of the problem before the tyres were replaced so I think it's a reasonable conclusion. I've spoken to the dealer this afternon and they wanted to book the car in for investigation and don't have any available slot for over 2 weeks. I only want them to rebalance the 2 front wheels!

Do I?
1) Go back to them and insist they check the wheel balancing ASAP
2) Book the car in with them for 2 weeks time and get the car fully investigated in case it is not the balancing
3) Go to a local tyre place that I have used before and pay them to balance the 2 fronts wheels as Audi may not even get it right the second time

Hope I've explained in enough detail! Thanks

[aldfort]

Ask around and go to a good local tyre fitter for the re-balance. Present the bill to your dealer. If they kick up a fuss suggest to them you will contact Audi UK with a formal complaint.

[Billyv6]

What aldfort said.... Will take less than 5minutes for Audi to balance your wheels. For the sake of about £10 +vat I would get them done and present their manager with bill, kick up a fuss and make formal complaint for you having to run around etc etc

[zollaf]

call audi, book it in for 2 x front balance. explain it needs doing asap. if they still can't do it for 2 weeks, take it to a good local independant place and pay for it yourself. this will set you back 20 quid at the most. (most of the time is getting the car in, jacked up, wheels off ). take the bill to audi and ask for reimbursement. (presuming the wobble has gone ). if audi refuse, take your future business to a small independant garage that will give you more and better aftercare service as they will want your repeat business.

[xenon]

Thanks for the advice! I got both wheels rebalanced yesterday and the problem has gone away thankfully. The tyre shop did say that the balancing was way out and that the car should never have left the workshop in that condition. I've made contact with Audi and I'll let you know how it goes.

[xenon]

Update. Had a speedy reply from the dealer saying they think there is a problem with their wheel balancer as they had a similar problem in today. Makes you wonder how many other wheels they have misbalanced in the past 3 weeks since mine were done. Anyway, without me even asking they have asked me to send them the bill so that they can reimburse me.

[zollaf]

it happens, things do break down or the trainee hasn't been trained very well. if only they were a bit more on the ball. a serious workshop manager would have had you back in asap to save any more other problems like this.