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Service shops in Newcastle

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 8:18 am
by Heathx4
Hey folks,

Thought I may as well post and find out if anyone can recommend shops to avoid or visit for a basic service on my 4be.

It is a MQ Patrol, so I originally tried Kloster Nissan (since they had Nissan in their name!), but left it to late - they are pretty busy out up till Christmas. Only taking bookings for next week at this stage. I'd like to get the service done this week if possible, but if people have good things to say about them, I'll try for a next week booking.

I only really want the engine looked at (makes what might be a pinging noise under load), probably basic spark plug checks, ignition timing checks, stuff like that. Also want the grease nipples topped up, since I don't have a gun and the one at work is dodgy + unknown grease.

There are lots and lots of shops in the Yellow Pages, so it is hard to narrow them down. Sorby's in Lambton is reasonably close and state '4WD servicing' in their ad - anyone have experience with them?

Any suggestions?

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 9:12 am
by camskizook
dude if you dont want to have your balls ripped out and be screwed for every cent you own then i wouldnt recommend going to a certain group....i know too many people who have been stuffed about by them!!

The mechanic who runs the workshop where i work at is a decent bloke if you wanna drive out to warners bay...
BP Warners Bay Mechanical 49481118...tell him Cameron told u to call

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 9:18 pm
by Midget
If you don't mind a 1/2 hour trip you could come down to me at charmhaven.(The 4x4 specialist)
I can do all your service work and also supply you with all your BIGBALLS OFFROAD products and ARB products..

Jamie
The 4x4 Specialist 0414 807 899

Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2003 10:06 pm
by Gazzaj
and buy a grease gun you need it

Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2003 9:03 am
by Heathx4
Charmhaven is a bit far. Not really because I wouldn't drive that far, but mainly beacuse it is a fair way to ride back to work while the work is being done!

Yeah, I'll probably need a grease gun eventually - it is quite an investment though, surprisingly. My 4wd parts specialist (Supercheap :armsup: ) had one for about $25. Then it is another $30 to get the flexi hose, and another $10 or so for the grease. Considering I was expecting maybe $20 all up, it starts to add up a bit.

Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2003 9:41 pm
by Bush65
I do my own. Most peeps I know recommend Steve Atkins at Active 4X4, Anderson Drive Beresfield for most 4by work. Just for lube jobs - you could do that, cant you?

Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2003 1:51 pm
by Heathx4
Ah, I have heard of Active 4x4. Might give them a thought in future. I went with camskizook's recommendation and am very happy with the result. I do most work myself, but there a few things I didn't want to spend the time or money on:

- I don't have a grease gun, and Supercheap's package was anything but cheap. Will probably eventually have to get one anyway.
- My spark plug socket is not big enough. Yes, I should get the right size one day too.
- I don't know how to, don't have a timing light, etc., to check the timing
- I don't know how to, don't have a pressure guage, etc., to check compression
- I really needed someone with more experience than me to have a look at things - I happy to pay for a bit of know how.

I'm all for learning things by doing, but for $130, I reckon I've come out pretty well - and learnt plenty too. The car drives like when I just bought it!

Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2003 6:50 pm
by purefmx
Take it to Darren @ Bellevue Motors in Wickham, he services and mods most of the Gold Eagle Club cars aswell as many other mild to wild customs, excellent mechanical work.
http://www.bellevuemotors.tk