I must've missed the photos of the parts... I don't see a link ?
Yes it is common practice/knowledge that *any* service center charges according to the labor that is specified in a book.
The book specifies the *proper* way to replace something. So for instance, if you need to replace a simple relay but the battery hold-down is in the way, the book will include the time for removing the battery hold-down. But, because the plastic fuse/relay compartment cover is flexible, with significant effort, you can squeeze and flex and twist the cover free, without removing the battery hold-down. Well, you get charged for that anyway. The mechanic who is able to figure out that shortcut is rewarded. For my old vehicle, memory serving, the Haynes repair manual specifies removing the entire engine to get the transmission out... which ain't necessary. Any idea how much time that saves... not having to drain all fluids and disconnect *everything* ?
It is also common practice/knowledge that shops usually charge a one hour minimum, even if it takes then five minutes.
It's interesting that they diagnosed the slave cylinder first. Did they actually look at that part? Like remove and test it? If the slave cylinder not allow the clutch to fully engage/disengage, it could cause premature wear to clutch.
Also if that was the reason that prompted them to disassemble the car, and they said it would be covered, them they foot the bill. Finding another issue later does not allow them to retract their previous statement and your authorization to work under that information.
Sent from the Canyon's Edge
I got the impression that it was an individual's suspicion when asked about what s/he thought *might* be the cause of the problem. In other words, it wasn't a "diagnosis" that was recorded on paper. Just a heresy guess purely based on symptoms of the problem. If it is not recorded on paper as an official estimate, they are not bound to adhere to anything.
When I drive *any* clutch, my foot is *completely* removed from the pedal. In addition, I start slipping at idle speed and get off as quickly as possible without putting "too much" pressure on the clutch system. I also turned-off hill-assist with the realization that it was needlessly increasing the amount of time I spent on the clutch pedal.
If your wife's foot is near the pedal once in gear, then it is very possible that your wife was inadvertently riding the clutch. The clutch pedal engage and release height can be very different between vehicles. For that reason, engaging in the same practice between one vehicle and another, can yield very different results.
I recommend tweaking the release height on the clutch pedal and turning off hill-assist. It may help reduce the chance of riding it.
Also consider that it may have been abused by personnel at the dealership joy-riding it; even customers test driving the vehicle.
EDIT:
Author created another thread on the same topic...
http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/...denied-by-ford?p=174330&viewfull=1#post174330