Warning!

[jluis]

Wouldn't want a machined replica, there are a number of essential improvements that would be needed, including making the ball joints a serviceable item, increasing the material around the bushes to the maximum subframe clearances and anyone making them would need to demonstrate past experience of wishbones and a clear understanding of the loads and stresses involved.

Being a machined part from scratch the balljoint can be made a serviceable item.
If the design and dimensions used are approximately the same and a high grade of aluminum alloy is used it will probably be as good or better than the original item.

 

[2b1ask1]

Yes, I probably worded that badly, what I meant is not a direct copy but an improved variant from someone with a track record in this field.

 

[Contigo]

Email from VOSA.

"Mr Contigo

The manufacturer has now completed it's investigations and examination of returned components and advised DVSA of their findings. DVSA's Engineers will review those findings and respond to the manufacturer. When an outcome has been determined I will contact you and advise accordingly.

Thank you

Regards

John "

 

[StuartW]

It's good that you have received a reply but they don't give much away, do they?

 

[mchristyuk]

Just got the same email from John.

Have replied saying that I believe there are some more reports coming his way.. and not just for the front suspension this time.. and that if we are getting caught out in just a couple thousand miles despite being aware of the issue and checking for it, then what hope do those that know nothing of this have?

Mark

 

[Contigo]

But as I said Mark, yours is the only one that has "failed".

 

[mchristyuk]

Well.. I'd disagree.. it's the only one that became detached from the car, however all the other wishbones have "failed".

It's just how much semantics want to be played of the description of "failed" I guess..! And knowing Maserati.. I'd guess they'll try and convince people the Earth is flat and the moon made of cheese if it means ducking out of any responsibility for shoddily made parts!

I know you're only playing devils advocate Phil, but put it this way..would you put a wishbone on your car which is already cracked? It hasn't "failed" therefore it should be fine to use it, no?

Mark

 

[jluis]

The wishbones are manufactured by an Italian company called ocap with a reputation for making shoddy parts.
A quick Google revealed a number of forum posts complaining how the balljoints failed after a short time and at least one instance of a cracked wishbone like ours.

These reviews were for wishbones made for other cars but I guess the same shodiness applies.

They are the OEM for Fiat cars as well.

It might be worth for someone with connections to the trade to try to source them directly from ocap instead of paying the exorbitant Maserati price

 

[Contigo]

Their definition of failed is the same as a car warranty companies definition ie sudden failure of a component which results in a broken part. All the other arms they have seen are in a "failing" state.

Not my rules or observations.

 

[mchristyuk]

Surely a wishbone cracked all the way across is "broken" though?

If you bought a glass which was cracked from top to bottom, but water tight, you would accept it as not "broken"?

Though ultimately it doesn't matter what Maserati's definition of "broken" or "failed" is.. if the DVSA see this as a safety issue then that's that... we just have to sit tight and wait to see what they decide.

 

[Contigo]

But from a safety perspective it can be detected during vehicle maintenance and rectified. This is what Maserati will argue IMO and will shrug it all off as general maintenance check.

 

[miket]

At least there seems to be some sort of movement at last! Let's hope it's positive for owners!

 

[Swedish Paul]

In fact, my car is in for the 30k service on Monday at the Maserati dealer and I was talking about this issue today with them. They reckon they have not seen a failure here in Sweden and that they do check all the bushes on the suspension as part of the service. So the comment above "This is what Maserati will argue IMO and will shrug it all off as general maintenance check" is what I suspect the answer will be.

Do people always go to the Maserati dealer? I have been quoted what is around £900 for the yearly service at the dealers here in Sweden. To be honest, it's not much less to service my Yeti, and I have a friend who has a Ford at that service is more.

 

[mchristyuk]

The cars with full Maserati service history that have 'failed' suggests it wasn't detected during routine servicing. Also the car that 'failed' 2k miles after being checked suggests it can happen between annual services....

If the DVSA decide that this is a maintenance issue then my car will be going up for sale. My family is worth more than my enjoyment of a car.

 

[Trev Latter]

It was also approx 2.5k since the mot on mine too and only 10k since it had a full inspection at Autoshield prior to me buying it, so that's three times in 15 months. Much as I love the car, I do feel the same and may decide to part company. It's ridiculous that I couldn't contemplate a long euro trip without having the suspension inspected both ends of the journey, especially as that euro trips were one of the reasons for buying it.

 

[highlander]

Got the same email from vosa today as well. Will wait on full reply before commenting or deciding on next action.

 

[Evo Cymru]

Same here...

 

[Guest 1678]

But from a safety perspective it can be detected during vehicle maintenance and rectified. This is what Maserati will argue IMO and will shrug it all off as general maintenance check.

would be interesting to get the service schedule from Maserati to see if a check of bushes and suspension arms was a consistent and required check.

Having been in the trade a while back the service manager was always on the clock - the minimum effort was more the norm.

 

[Swedish Paul]

According to the schedule I have

"Front and rear suspension joints" 10000km, 30000km, 50, 70, 90... etc = inspect and carry out any other necessary operation.

 

[miket]

10k km initially followed by 20k km intervals thereafter, quite long intervals really, looking at some very recent posts it is absolutely certain they could check out at a service and fail before the next inspection according to Maseratis regime, very worrying!