crash - broken wishbone

[peterux]

Originally Posted by Patrick

I got an email from Terry, parts are in the post today so I should receive tomorrow

At last! I hope your postie is feeling fit tomorrow....

[Patrick]

Yeahy parts are here

I'll post some pics of the wishbones tomorrow, new design has address the potential week spot that the old ones had. Surprisingly a set of powerflex poly bushes was in the box! They look good!

[Patrick]

As promised here are pictures of the parts supplied:

[limpabit]

Hi Patrick.

Looking good mate.

They look like the same lower balljoints as the 5EXI lower wishbone's.

[MartinClan]

Thanks for posting the pictures Patrick. Both the wishbones and wing stays seem to have a much better design (To my non-expert eye) than the ones I have. I shall hopefully be getting my replacements soon once Marlin have completed the move to the new factory.

They are going to replace the wing stays for free RE:

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=1506

But they are making a small charge for the exchange of the wishbones.

Robin

[Patrick]

I'm sure that the ball joints are the same as on the old ones.

[GreatOldOne]

Those wishbones are exactly the same as mine. Good luck getting the damper bolt in!

If you remember, I had to shave the head of the bolt to get it in:

[peterux]

Originally Posted by Patrick

Yeahy parts are here

I'll post some pics of the wishbones tomorrow, new design has address the potential week spot that the old ones had. Surprisingly a set of powerflex poly bushes was in the box! They look good!

Patrick,
Great too see you've finally got your replacement parts back after all this time.
Interesting to see that Marlin are now suppling Powerflex bushes as standard rather than those old rubber Ford Fiesta ones.
I've got some Rally Design Polysports for the lower arms but haven't decided whether to fork out for a set for the top arms as well?

It's all rather hypothetical until I get on and finish the car instead of sitting here in the warm!!

Peter

[peterux]

Originally Posted by Patrick

As promised here are pictures of the parts supplied:




]

hmmmm...
like GOO's, no ARB brackets?

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by peterux

Patrick,
Great too see you've finally got your replacement parts back after all this time.
Interesting to see that Marlin are now suppling Powerflex bushes as standard rather than those old rubber Ford Fiesta ones.
I've got some Rally Design Polysports for the lower arms but haven't decided whether to fork out for a set for the top arms as well?

It's all rather hypothetical until I get on and finish the car instead of sitting here in the warm!!

Peter

I've been asked to pay for the bushes ....

[Stuart]

I have today been working on the suspension of my Sportster and have noticed my nearside wishbone is bent and the powder coat is cracking right along the joint that Patrick's snapped. I have mailed Terry and await a reply i iwill keep you informed of progress.

Stuart

[peterux]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I have today been working on the suspension of my Sportster and have noticed my nearside wishbone is bent and the powder coat is cracking right along the joint that Patrick's snapped. I have mailed Terry and await a reply i iwill keep you informed of progress.

Stuart

Sounds like you had a lucky escape!

[Stuart]

I have heard back from Terry and Marlin are going to replace my lower wishbones FOC so a result which i am more than happy with.

[Patrick]

Turns out my upper ball joint was knackered as well. There about 1/2mm movement in there so I've order a new one off eBay £2.95 + £3 shipping - got a spare one too.

Stuart - glad they're sorting you out!

[peterux]

Originally Posted by Patrick

Turns out my upper ball joint was knackered as well. There about 1/2mm movement in there so I've order a new one off eBay £2.95 + £3 shipping - got a spare one too.

Stuart - glad they're sorting you out!

Hhmmm, that's interesting considering the mileage you've done. Do you think it was damaged when you lower suspension arm broke?
I noticed at the weekend that the rubber on both my top ball joints are perished, so I might have to splash out and get another pair.
I don't want to fail my first MOT!

[Patrick]

The other side is rock solid, so I'm 95% sure is was due to the original incident.

It's easy enough to check pull up and down on the top wish bone, if there any movement you will see / hear it I'm also getting a metallic clanking from it when going over bumps. Fortunately they are cheap to replace - bit of a PITA though.

[peterux]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I have heard back from Terry and Marlin are going to replace my lower wishbones FOC so a result which i am more than happy with.

That is good to hear that they are doing the right thing for you.
I hope you don't have to wait too long and have the car laid up over the spring months (snow forecast tomorow!).
I'd be interested to see some close up pictures of the issue before you return them to Marlin.

cheers

Peter

[Patrick]

Just had this emailed to me:

To all Sportster Owners

15th May 2008

Safety re-call

Sportster lower front suspension arms

Due to another recent notification of a ‘weld line’ failure of a Sportster lower front suspension arm Marlin have now declared a full (stop using) safety re-call of all Sportster lower front suspension arms.

It is required that each and every Sportster front suspension arm that has been made prior to today’s date should be returned to our works for careful inspection. Any warranty is now removed from this component as it is deemed to be potentially unsafe.

We will reinstate warranty on these components after each arm has been properly inspected.

Please be aware that this re-call includes all Sportster lower front suspension arms manufactured before 15th May 2008.

1) Suspension arms found to be faulty will be replaced or modified FOC.

2) Post and packing is not FOC.

3) New bushes or ball joints required to fit newly built or modified suspension arms are not FOC.

4) I can not discuss or offer comment on the condition of any suspension arms by phone (I have to see them to check them first).

Yours faithfully



Mark Matthews




P.s I am sorry about any inconvenience that this may cause but in the interest of your safety and Marlin warrantees this is the only way that I can be sure of avoiding any possible future occurrences.

[Mike]

About time too.
I think they have been very tardy with their response to the problems you guys have identified.
I think they should be picking up all the costs, including postage and ball joints you had to buy the original- they should pay for the replacement - this was a potentially life threatening failure.
I suspect they have only come clean (grubby clean at best) now that they have finally got in to their new building.
Get together and insist Marlin pick up the cost!!
Mike

[peterux]

I notice a number things about this recall notice......

1. They have removed all warranty on existing wishbones, presumably trying to avoiding any further laibilities for further failures and costs. I'm not an expert but this is probably not legal and Mark as a director is personally liable for any failures or deaths. (Tim Dutton is being sued by the Trading Standards for supplying an un-safe amphibious vehicle)
2. They are still reserving the right to charge you, if they regard the originals as safe.
3. The recall is from today, so does that mean Patrick and I have to return our new wishbones.
4. To my knowledge there has been two reported failures since Patrick's failed.
5. This was posted by Terry on the 5exi forum?
6. Marlin have not posted anything on the Marlin Owners Club forum?