mentalist

Does anybody know a competent auto repair workshop that can investigate and hopefully fix a leaking coolant syatem on a 10 yr old Jeep Cherokee. From prior experience, I suspect that the Jeep dealership will insist on a copmpletely new radiator, pump and hoses which will not only be costly but will keep the car off the road for a week at least. Given its age and that it only has another 12 months use expected, a repair has to be considered.

Millhouse

I had a new custom radiator made for my patrol - 500AED all in. It won't be as expensive as you think. It was out a couple of days.

There are a couple of garages in Al Quoz I can recommend for this.

mentalist

Yes please, thank you kind sir. I forgot to say that I am in Dubai for those who don'y know me.

scrubbedexpat141

500 is going to ruin your budget this year.

Millhouse

Primelink

These people did mine and are OK. There is a much better garage called 'Al Quoz" garage but I can't find it as easily on eht map

Millhouse

or if you want a bit more upmarket - try icon

Eeyore

Or do it yourself - it's really not hard. Just needs a basic socket set, a wobble extension and some pliers. You can replace the rad and water pump in a Cherokee in under 3 hours.

scrubbedexpat141

Patsy Stoned

AAA in al quoz is good, always lots of jeeps and range rovers outside. British run.

Eeyore

Eh? I'm not making that up. I've done it myself. Replaced the complete cooling systems on my 2005 Cherokee and 1993 Grand Cherokee. Really not difficult, doesn't require specialist tools, and only takes about 3 hours per vehicle.

In fact, I'm planning to fit a new high-flow waterpump to my Grand this weekend, to keep the coolant temp a bit lower when idling with the AC on.

scrubbedexpat141

Madness. Still, I know zilch about engines etc so would be walking into chaos. I guess 3hrs and the frustration I would endure is worth the money to avoid!

Eeyore

If you know zilch about engines, how do you know that replacing a water pump (actually very easy) is "madness"? I'd suggest that if you can work out which end of a spanner is which, you can do mechanical work. Ultimately it's all just removing and replacing nuts and bolts. Sometimes you need to think your way round problems, but those challenges make it fun.

To my mind, "madness" is paying what garages charge for simple jobs like replacing brake pads and discs, when you can do them yourself in under an hour. "Madness" is also trusting the workmanship of some of the "professional" mechanics out there. When I started doing my own mechanical work (after the free service contract ran out), it was disappointing to uncover some of the bodges by the dealership techs.

mentalist

Have gone with Patsy's choice as AAA have a UK managed workshop within 5 minutes of home. Al Quoz would have been too far. They are quoting Dhs2,750 for a new radiator plus all the trimmings but hoping they can do the job within two days only. We will see.

scrubbedexpat141

Really? That bad?

I don't have the inclination for it, I don't have the patience or the willingness to learn. It just doesn't interest me enough to make me want to do it. Still, each to their own.

Millhouse

wow. I paid 550 for the patrol.