In need of advice after crash and insurance work

[john_w]

It's really hard to describe the damage to the turbo, it wasn't exactly the casing. More like the bearing on the exhaust manifold side had been knocked off square jamming it so it wouldn't spin. He showed me the old turbo today and we're only talking 2mm movement max. The oil feed pipe had also been crushed probably causing it to seize if it hadn't already. They have told me it's hit the steering column, I don't know if this is right but the steering was fine when I test drove it initially and found the turbo issue. I totally agree that it needs checking over as I'm concerned about the gear box but until I get it back I can't get it looked at and to be honest I fully expect another issue to crop up after this so who knows when I'll get it!

Thanks for your input, you're all being very helpful

[shshivji]

From what you describe I'd say the lack of oil from the crushed feed pipe has caused the turbo to seize. It's worrying that none of this was checked during the initial inspection. Make sure they check the oil return pipe and also the water feed and return for the turbo too, as they are in the same area.

Shak

[bluepeter]

I think Shak's offer is a generous one and worth taking up. It is also worth a quick check through your insurances (household and car particularly). Some have legal expenses included or optional cover for £10-ish. I am not suggesting that you want to "go legal" just yet... it might give you peace of mind that if additional redress is needed (car not properly fixed or inadequate inspection leaving misaligned vehicle) you would have cause. The kind of litigation is likely to be covered - in some instances just the threat of having access to that kind of legal muscle will stop you being "bullied into submission" by garage and insurance company.

[john_w]

Hi guys, just had a phone call from the garage and the car is ready to pick up and I'm going in tomorrow. Is there anything I should particularly look out for when driving it? Does the turbo need running in or anything or just warm it up and see what it can do?? I will definitely be taking up shaks very kind offer asap assuming everything seems OK and then after he's given it a once over I hopefully won't need to go legal!

Thanks in advance, John