Getting the Run-Around

[Pooh105]

OK, kind of a long post. My Stallion has had the front right side dust cover seal come off of the axel bearings. I contacted Thoroughbred and asked them if there was a repair place in the Denver area that worked on Stallions. I asked this as every Ford Dealership in town refuses to work on my Stallion as they say they are not "qualified" to work on a motorcycle. Thoroughbred gave me the name of Gunslinger Custom Paint in Golden Colorado to try. Gunslinger informed me that they (sorry I'm laughing here) do not have ASC certified mechanics and cannot work on what is basically a Ford car! Gunslinger also told me the fix, if the could do it, would cost me about $1800 as the entire front axel would have to be replaced. Gunslinger stated that this was the word from Thoroughbred. The point is moot anyway as I now have a trike that I love, that nobody will fix! I keep calling Thoroughbred to find out more information but, their mechanical folks are either on the phone and, will NOT call me back. I am getting frustrated here. Any help from you guys would be appreciated!

Pooh

 

[Stallionshawn]

I feel your pain regarding not returning calls. This has been a problem for me during the 10 days I have had my Stallion. I placed 9 calls (because I got no response. 2 calls would have sufficed.) with various questions and a request for a part. One call I actually caught the Tech, and only once did he return my call 3 hours later. I finally have the part coming (Temp Sensor Switch) from them NO CHARGE, which I appreciate, but the lack of and/or slow response is frustrating, and nothing like all the previous posts of years past about spectacular service. I know he is just one man, but my request and solution required less than one minute to solve. Once they start building them again, I hope the customer service improves.

As far as service from a Ford Dealer goes, in numerous posts on this Forum it seems that the procedure is to get TMS on the phone while you have the Service Manager coralled and have them talk so he can understand that this is basically a Ford Ranger. Did you use this procedure at the dealer?

 

[stalliongirl]

Stallion Shawn,
You are correct that the best process is to have TMS talk directly to the service manager. However, the challenge is that the TMS guy is never available to talk when you've got the attention of the Ford or other service guy and they won't stand around waiting on hold or for a call back. My experience is that they also don't want to admit they don't know how to fix something or want to figure it out on their own. What happens then is that they do a work around that maybe is not covered by warranty. When my brake switch went out, they didn't call TMS and find out that there was a better replacement part and just re-ordered the one from Ford that was in there. Eventually, I'll have to replace it again when it gets moisture in there. Once, I sat in a Ford dealer for hours until I realized they were trying to use their Ford warranty listings to determine the warranty from the VIN number instead of listening to me to call TMS. Fortunately, I haven't had much go wrong and LOVE my Stallion. When I finally do connect with Nick, and now Richard, I get the help I need.

Good luck!

 

[Dean H]

When I first approached Ford, I furnished the communication literature that all Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships across the country supposedly received from TMS in November of 2008, and explained/pointed out to the service manager that they “have the option to perform warranty and service work on the Stallion”. I explained the simple process on how they would be paid on the spot by TMS for warranty work. When they looked at the Stallion and realized that the power train was Ford and saw the computer adapter, they were not hesitant to agree to do warranty work. They indicated that any work on other than Ford components would be considered on a case by case basis. The few times that I needed Ford to work on my trike (two when traveling), I never had a problem. I think it is how the dealerships are approached.

 

[tomg]

I must be super lucky as I have never had any problems with Ford dealers either on the road or locally ??? Also have ALWAYS had any call to TMS returned usually within a hour or so.
Tomg

 

[Gorilla]

Pooh, The directions for removing the front wheel are in the owners manual. Once you have it off, it should not the that difficult for a good bike mechanic to figure out how to replace the bearing. Mine was done under warrantee by a local Motortrike shop. TBMS sent them a complete new hub assembly. I would of done it myself if it was not covered. See if you have a MotorTrike shop around then see if they will take on the repair. TBMS is a sister company to the parent company MotorTrike.

 

[ODDOMAN]

i had a problem with the Ford dealership here in Florence, sc....I went by and shown the entire service crew it seemed the Stallion....and the service manager told me that they would and could work on this machine if I had any problems.....well I had a idle control modulator went bad...so I took it to the Ford dealer ship, only to find that the service manager was avoiding me, and I went to his office for him to shoot me down, and said that "this Ford dealership" wasn't allowed to work on it at all....pissed off....so I went to the Darlington ford, and those guys set me up and repaired my unit....
Later a couple of months went by, i had a problem again, took it to the Darlington Ford, and the service manager came out to meet me , and shot me down on service.....that is when I recognized the managers face....it was the man at florence dealership that they fired....needless to say, I went back to Florence Ford, and they treated me like a king....repaired my ride...all is cool....the message here is.....talk to the management...and get TBMS on the phone.....and I'll say this about TBMS....they have always helped me when the chips were down....

Oddoman
# 667
Effingham, SC

 

[Charlie D]

If you are in the metro Chicago area and have a problem go to Golf Mill Ford in Niles Ill. , and the team of Bill Giers Service Director and Chris Fanella Service Manager will not only work on a Stallion they go out of their way to make sure the customer is satisfied and the repairs are done correctly. The owners are a top 100 Ford Dealer and really care about customers.. STALLIONS are no exception!. ThumbUp

 

[silverdevil]

that is NOT the axle bearing, that is the bearing for the black plate that holds the brake caliper, one on either side.
the axle bearing are tapered bearings that you can not see unless remove the axle, then you can see the tapered bearings packed in blue Chevron grease.
just info for those that did not know.

 

[Pooh105]

All,
I got a private message on the board here from Motor Trike. Hopefully they will contact me and I can get my Stallion repaired. It seems to be such a minor issue. I figured the dust cover could be replaced on the right side of the axel but, I am NOT a mechanic! I really respect and thank all the members who replied to my post. I have found that this forum is one of the BEST sources of information on Stallions. I'll keep you all in the loop as this goes on!

Thanks,

Doug (Pooh)

 

[StallionTech]

Pooh, I can try to help you. I worked at Thoroughbred Motorsports for years, and was the Lead Technician on the Stallion. There is nobody that knows more about your bike than I do. Let me know what the bike is doing, and send me pics if possible. I am an Automotive Technician, and I have extensive knowledge of the Stallion. I will try my best to help you out. I live in Arkansas, but I will do all I can. My e-mail address is leadtech74@hotmail.com. I know all the problems that the stallion had, and know how to fix them. I will try to point you in the right direction. Let me know if I can help you.

OK, kind of a long post. My Stallion has had the front right side dust cover seal come off of the axel bearings. I contacted Thoroughbred and asked them if there was a repair place in the Denver area that worked on Stallions. I asked this as every Ford Dealership in town refuses to work on my Stallion as they say they are not "qualified" to work on a motorcycle. Thoroughbred gave me the name of Gunslinger Custom Paint in Golden Colorado to try. Gunslinger informed me that they (sorry I'm laughing here) do not have ASC certified mechanics and cannot work on what is basically a Ford car! Gunslinger also told me the fix, if the could do it, would cost me about $1800 as the entire front axel would have to be replaced. Gunslinger stated that this was the word from Thoroughbred. The point is moot anyway as I now have a trike that I love, that nobody will fix! I keep calling Thoroughbred to find out more information but, their mechanical folks are either on the phone and, will NOT call me back. I am getting frustrated here. Any help from you guys would be appreciated!

Pooh

 

[Pooh105]

All,

Hopefully the photos will post. This is the problem I am having with my Stallion.

Pooh

 

[Gorilla]

Yep I had the same issue. StallionTech how hard is it to get to that caliper plate bearing and replace it? Also what bearing number is it?

 

[StallionTech]

Pooh, that is the Front Brake Caliper Bearing. That is a VERY common problem on the stallion. That is not the axle bearing. You will need to remove the front axle and front wheel from the bike. The only way to get those replaced is to get a new set of left and right hubs from TBMS. I know that is not what you want to hear, but unfortunatly that is how they are replaced. The hubs are expensive to purchase, but can be changed out of you have the correct kind of puller to remove the black bracket that is pressed onto the hubs. There are 2 sets of those bearings in each hub. There is one inner and 1 outer, all you can see is the outer. I am not sure what the bearing number is, I can find that out this week for you if needed.

 

[StallionTech]

What is the VIN # of your bike. TBMS re-engineered the bracket to correct the problem with the front caliper bearings, but I think they still had problem after the fact. Who does TBMS tell you that you need to speak with? Have they ever given you a name?

 

[Pooh105]

The VIN of my Stallion is 5TYSB44369T000506. Thoroughbred informed me to contact Gunslinger Custom Paint in Golden, CO to get the trike fixed. As I stated in the first post, Gunslinger will not touch the Stallion as they say it requires an ACS Certified Mechanic to work on a "Ford" vehicle. I just want to find a mechanic who can fix this problem without all the run around!

Pooh :Shrug:

 

[StallionTech]

Well, I can fix your bike for you. Although I am a long way from you, there is nobody better to perform any maintenance on your Stallion. It has sometimes been difficult for some Stallion owners to find people to work on their bike. You have to keep looking for a reputable shop to perform service for you. If you would like me to perform service, you would have to bring it to me. I could perform any and all work needed on your bike. let me know if I can do anything else for you.

 

[Pooh105]

YES!!! ThumbUp

Resolution at last! I talked with Richard at TBMS and he has approved all of the warranty work on my Stallion! As soon as I got off the phone with him he was going to contact Gunslinger Custom in Golden CO, and authorize all of the repair work! This makes my day! I want to thank everyone on the Forum especially StallionTech for all of your help and information on my problem! Hopefully I'll be riding before this weekend!

Later,

Pooh

 

[Papa Zook]

YES!!! ThumbUp

Resolution at last! I talked with Richard at TBMS and he has approved all of the warranty work on my Stallion! As soon as I got off the phone with him he was going to contact Gunslinger Custom in Golden CO, and authorize all of the repair work! This makes my day! I want to thank everyone on the Forum especially StallionTech for all of your help and information on my problem! Hopefully I'll be riding before this weekend!

Later,

Pooh

Its good to see TBMS/MotorTrike private messaging you here on the forum and taking care of your issue. They are stand up folks and very active here. Good on you Motor Trike!

 

[Ed Hobgood]

Pooh,
It's good to heard you got your work done under warranty. I'm just wondering since my 08 is now out of warranty just how hard it will be to get work done. Everything I have had in the past has been covered with the warranty I just hope when it happens without warranty I can get the Stallion worked on and get parts from TBMS when needed. I wish TBMS offered an extended warranty.

Ed

 

[vmcvr2003]

wow that happen to me and the dealer that i bought not one but two stallion
#00361 and now i have #30013 charge me $900.00 to fix it with no call to tell me that part was under warranty but not laber.$900.00 just laber.
you know i will not go back to
CYCLES & TRIKE OF FREDRICK