Wish I could get a $40 car shop rate now. Where I'm at they start at double that.
But; reminds me of many years ago when $40 was about the rate and my Subaru DL was in for state inspection. Car had about 80,000 miles on it at the time. I was watching of course. Saw the mechanic check the right side rear brake pads then use an AIR WRENCH to put the wheel bearing / hub nut back on. I found the manager real quick and said "what on earth is that imbecile doing? He just dimpled the bearing race." Manager said, that is the recommended procedure. LIKE HELL IT IS!!!! I said. Retrieved the factory manual from the trunk and showed him the correct procedure and demanded he replace the bearing races and the bearing. He said he would guarantee them for three months. I got him to one year and had him put it in writing. 6 months and about 10,000 miles later it is giving that tell-tale whirring noise. I let it go another month so it is louder, then take it in. He agrees, right rear bearing is shot. I had him buy the parts and emphasized that I would replaced it myself so I knew it was done CORRECTLY. The said mechanic was still working there. I went else where for future inspections.
Car went to the junk yard as a road salt induced rust heap at about 250,000 miles. Ran fine, and not a single bearing problem other than the $40 per hour certified mechanic induced one.
Dave, I feel the pain of dealing with those who screw it up and claim they did not do anything to it. Some of us can do things, know our limits and accept responsibility for screwing up things when we tinker, because we know that is part of how we learn.
Cheers,
tvr