Triumphrat

Brrapp · 03-08-2010, 09:08 AM

I have a problem with my dealer in Bundaberg, Australia.

In December last year, after I hadn't ridden my '08 S3 for a month or so, I dragged it out of the shed to find there was no resistance on the front brake at all. Being that my dealer is less than 1 km away via back streets, I rode it there.

The Salesman came out, checked the lever and booked me in. As it happened I was going on holidays so I left the bike with them till the middle of January.

When I picked the bike up they told me they had bled the air out of the brakes and assured me it was all ok. When I asked how it got there they told me it just happens sometimes.

Beginning of march I notice the brake lever is now coming in further and further and now touches my fingers under 2 finger braking.

Back at the shop, their mechanic tells me thats normal. I tell him its getting worse and show him on a new bike how the lever doesn't come back that far. Then he tells me it's because my fluid has been hot and will now compress more than a new one.

Because of the mechanics reluctance to recognise my complaint, and the fact that he tried to feed me rubbish, I have a concern that this problem has not been reported to Triumph and that they will just bleed it again, if so I wont have a leg to stand on when the warranty runs out (April 2) and it happens again in 2 months time.

What do I do? The next closest dealer has been more than helpful on the phone and believes the master cylinder is the culprit, but he is over 100km away.

M.Guy.Vig. · 03-08-2010, 09:19 AM

Easy. Make the 100km trip to the good dealer. The mechanic at your current dealership doesn't know what he is talking about. You don't want to mess about when it comes to brakes! Anyway, 100km isn't far to go for good service.

Brrapp · 03-09-2010, 06:41 AM

Agreed, the problem is when I get it back i believe they will have only bled the brakes, not fixed them, and when I take it down to Hervey Bay there will be no sign of a problem, yet. So how do I make sure I get proper repairs in the short time (24 days) I have left?

M.Guy.Vig. · 03-09-2010, 07:35 AM

The first thing to do, is to speak to someone at Triumph Australia, and explain your predicament. If it goes well, they will authorise repairs at the dealership of your choice. Do it soon, though!

TJohn · 03-09-2010, 07:36 AM

Brrapp,let the current dealer know your not messing about with safety issues,give the top knob a spray and things will get done.warranty has a nasty backlash on dealers,especially when they are named and called to account publicly.ie this site.never underestimate the lil man

RonL · 03-09-2010, 12:13 PM

I'd contact the manager or owner of the dealership. Ask him for the name of his attorney. Tell him that you need the name because after you pile your bike up while riding on their boogered repair job, your next of kin's lawyer will need to know who to contact regarding your lawsuit.

You could put it in writing and copy the service manager as well.

Their explanation is complete and utter rubbish. If it's caused by the fact that your fluid has heated up, then tell them to prove it by changing the fluid out with fresh stuff. If the bike's under warranty, "faulty" fluid ought to be covered and replaced on their dime.

Joemomma · 03-09-2010, 03:56 PM

It actually sounds more like the pistons are not retracting into the calipers, like 05-06's do before the fix. I don't think it's time to pull the lawyer card this early on, but a conversation with the owner is a good next move. The mechanic is full of crap re: the fluid is compressing more because it was hot. In fact, he is a parts changer, not a mechanic at all. Or a bad liar.

JamesRR · 03-09-2010, 04:12 PM

this sounds like a service that can be handled at any number of bike shops

Brrapp · 03-10-2010, 07:24 AM

Thanx to all for the feedback, I have the bike back now and the 'mechanic' is actually their service manager.

They have changed the fluid and bled the brakes.....again....and again THEY are satisfied with the result. I asked if Triumph had been informed and was told no on the phone, but when I picked it up I was was told they will be emailed so there wont be any ongoing warranty issues, I asked for them to email me a copy when they send it.

Worse thing is I no longer have confidence in the brakes, riding it today was not the joy it used to be because in the back of my mind.............

I do have a lengthy email ready to send to Triumph as soon as I get a copy of the shops letter.

TJohn · 03-10-2010, 08:07 AM

Brrapp,they are soaking up time. I dont know the answer but surely someone does.this mob cant be trusted. too many excuses,too much on the line.