The car mechanic doesn't have to be in the city center of course.
As long as he's not in a completely remote place and I can use public transports or a cab to get there and collect the car after he's done, then it's fine.
Yeah, I had the front shocks replaced some time ago and since then there's a crackling noise when I turn, very low in the beginning and now louder.
Could also be the CV joint but I doubt because the car was inspected not long ago at a Peugeot dealer in Belgium.
Well, looks like it's not easy to find a 'reasonably good' car mechanic in Gdansk ;) I had the exhaust replaced here lately (lots of repairs indeed, it's a Peugeot, did I mention?) and one week later I had to go back there because the exhaust was already leaking. When I saw how they fixed it, I thought I'm going to come back soon again. Nevermind, I'm getting used to this mentality that seems widely spread amongst Poles: asymptotically approaching a job well done through repeated attempts.
We haven't used these guys, so I can't offer a personal recommendation. However, I remember someone at work remarking they had, and that they were content with the results. I know that isn't a glowing report, but the place seems tidy and generally busy. (I work in the building that overlooks the yard at the back.)
Bearings should make a rumble noise continuously, and usually loader on the faster roads. If you swerve to take the weight off the affected wheel and the noise lessens that's a good indicator that it is bearings. Cost wise you should be looking at about 300 PLN for the part and about 1 - 2 hours labor i would have thought.
So I ended visiting the good people at Dacar (CJJ recommendation) on Tuesday last week. We agreed I would drop the car on Thursday. That's a funny story :)
So on Thursday, there's a middle-aged man asking me what should be done, and he writes down everything on his computer, typing with one finger, it takes ages. The guy says he's going to call me if there's something unexpected. So I'm leaving the place, which is clean and tidy indeed, and I have the feeling these guys are going to do a good job.
On Friday evening, I come to collect the car. I didn't get a phone call so I suppose nothing unexpected happened. And the thing is: they haven't done anything! :) That's right, they made me come twice, they kept my car 2 days and they didn't touch it. I can't say they're dishonest: they didn't charge anything either.
Damn. In Western Europe, I maybe wouldn't make a scandal, but I would have a talk with the guys. Actually I don't know, I never had something like this.
In Gdansk, I just said nothing but thank you - thinking "thank you that you didn't touch the car, I have enough problems in my life otherwise". I had so many kafkaesque stories in Gdansk that nothing like this can surprise me anymore.
:( cjj has now covered her head in shame while thinking "street parking around arkonska is damn difficult to come by ... lucky they didn't charge for the privilege of 2 days in a lock-up."
