Attention all auto part and assembly rebuilders: Thank you very much for deciding that marginal core might make it a few months so you can gamble on making a few extra bucks when the assembly craps out just outside the warranty period.
Unfortunately for me, your gamble didn't work out. More importantly, I get to repeat the same time-consuming job over again.
A couple of days ago, I installed a rebuilt steering rack from NAPA Auto Parts into my '87 Honda Accord. I flushed the system, cleaned up all the surrounding area, used my flare nut wrenches on all the hydraulic connections, clocked the steering wheel perfectly, got the alignment spot on, and followed the directions for bleeding the system. In other words, I did the careful, attenton-to-detail job most of you would do. My reward was a passenger side rack boot full of fluid and an accompanying puddle under same.
Of course, everyone at NAPA apologized and they're bringing in another rebuilt rack. Unfortunately, no one gets under my car and does the remove-and-replace for me. A law should be passed requiring all persons responsible for reconditioning a part to show up on their days off and replace units that don't even last ten minutes while making the offended party a salami and provolone sandwich to enjoy during a World Cup match while they replace the offending unit.
I enjoy working on cars. However, I do not enjoy wasting valuable time and good work. There's no getting that back.
Rant over.
(EDIT) for some reason, this post went up before I finished it.
