Would Your Customer Believe You Without Proof? 

A True Workshop Story That Highlights the Value of Accurate Labour Times 

Imagine this scenario: A customer drives into an independent workshop, worried about his Mercedes A-Class (Type 169). As soon as the engine warms up, a squeaking noise starts in the engine area, changing with engine speed. 

The technician takes it for a test drive and confirms the noise is coming from the V-belt area. Based on years of experience, he suspects the tensioning device – a common issue in these vehicles. Checking the OEM instructions before starting the job, he checks ALLDATA Repair for OEM instructions and labour times. It reveals something crucial: 

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AR01.00-P-3000AK: To replace the tensioning device, the engine must be lowered with the front axle carrier. 

Without this information, quoting the job accurately would have been impossible, risking undercharging or incomplete work. 

The unexpected problem

After replacing the tensioning device, the squeaking noise is quieter, but it hasn’t completely disappeared. The customer calls back the next day, frustrated that the issue persists. 

• 9 hours of labour time are required. 

• The engine must be completely removed to replace the vibration damper 

Would your customer believe you without proof? 

 

This situation highlights a daily reality for workshops. Without OEM data and labour times, it becomes almost impossible to: 

• Quote accurately. 

• Justify repair times and costs to customers. 

• Prevent undercharging and lost profitability. 

But when this customer saw the official OEM instructions and the 9-hour labour time required to replace the vibration damper, he understood why the job was complex and costly. 

 

ALLDATA Repair gives you more than information – it gives you proof and protection. 

• Accurate OEM labour times

• Step-by-step procedures for every repair 

• The confidence to quote jobs correctly and build customer trust.