I need pictures of your core radiator support please.
Reason being, I want to compare what a proper core radiator support to what my mechanic installed:



After some tapping on it and listening to the sound, it sounded really thin, so I got my camera, and sure enough, I get that. Had I known about this before it was installed, I would have stopped my mechanic completely and asked that they order a OEM one.

Currently debating what to do:
1. take it back to the same mechanic, and have them install a new and proper OEM one
2. have them just wield some additional support over this (same mechanic)
3. just take it to someone else completely.

Other notes:
I intend to keep this car for a long while longer since we just got another Maxima, and are currently paying it off.
This picture is less than a week after I got the car back.
I posted in this thread before, and hence why I was extremely suspicious when I got the car back: THREAD
If you are wondering why I didn't notice this before, it is because the 4th gen is my father's, so we took it to his long time friend and trusted mechanic. But after I did a closer inspection this morning...

Thank you everyone.

 

Check the core support thread in my sig. As for that cheapo thin piece, take it back to the shop

 

I saw that thread earlier in my search for images. Do you, or anyone know what the normal thickness of that piece is?
I have a feeling that there is going to be an argument with the mechanic, and just to be safe, I want as much ammunition as I can get for the argument with the mechanic in case he states that this one just defective and orders another cheap one.

 

0128121300_zps10df6a8b.jpg?t=1362262007

The lower radiator support replacement is the same as the ignition coils:

OEM or you're wasting time and money

I replaced my broken lower radiator support with an OEM about a year ago and it still looks new after 18k miles.

Last April a friend of mine couldn't afford the OEM support so he wanted me to install an aftermarket one. I told him I wouldn't waste my time and his money on a piece of crap. For a cheap alternate route I sandwiched 1/4" steel bars onto the upper section of the support. I used this members album for guidance

http://forums.maxima.org/album.php?albumid=223

I peeked at that sandwiched support on his MAX last month and it's holding fine.

EDIT: With an aftermarket support being much weaker than the OEM support sandwiching bars onto it's upper section might not hold too long. If you have the money by an OEM radiator support and demand your mechanic to replace it at no charge.

 

Get a second opinion from a reputable mechanic, maybe even a third opinion. Make sure to get those in writing and explain that you just had this done and you need it looked at. Then bring those written statements from the reputable mechanics back to the place that ripped you off and slap them on the counter. Tell them you want a new OEM unit put in for no charge, if necessary threaten legal action.

...I'm kinda ruthless when it comes to this kinda thing lol

 

Bro! if someone installed that $5 core support in my car i would be refunding his lower jaw with the toe of my boot.....

 

 

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ort-fixed.html

 

Take it back. And ask what kind of crap is that

 

Thanks everyone for the advice and pictures. Going to prepare my arguments and pieces of proof for the trip back to the mechanic tomorrow morning.

 

yeah as everyone has said youd definitely be screwing yourself by taking it to another shop. its this shops responsibility. but heres the thing:

1. did they ask you whether you wanted oem or aftermarket installed?
2. was this an insurance job or paid by you?
3. its more likely the parts warranty would be still in effect and more liable than the shop, being that they most likely asked you or the insurance company whether oem or aftermarket was to be used. if it was you, the shops not really at fault. if it was insurance, then they are at fault.

 

1a: I don't think we were ever asked that.
2a: We paid for it.
3a: Worst case, we can try parts warranty and see what happens.

 

if they never asked you and just went ahead and used cheap aftermarket then yeah they are fully at fault.

 

regardless of if it's aftermarket or not, thats an extremly cheap part and tell him you want it replaced oem at his cost, period!!! i would have a heart attack on his a$$ if that were my car!!! oem or go home!!!

 

I priced both aftermarket and Oem. Using my grandfathers long time friends car lot I got a discount and got my Oem core support for $130. Installed it myself and had a friend weld it in. Total cost after undercoating and beer was less than $150.

It was easy to install just time consuming. I did plenty of research and had the core support had been $250 I still would've spent the money. Some things you just can't cheap out on. I'm sorry someone made that decision for you.

 

i would too, unless of course he agreed to use aftermarket like i said. which he doesnt "think" he was asked.

 

he better know, joo know??

 

I will vote yes on this statement!! Bring that car back and make him replace with proper support...