Potentially Dangerous Suspension Parts

[bazhart]

On the subject of replacement wishbones (or as they are referred to on Boxsters and 996's etc "" "track control arms"), we have recently had two exchange track control arms returned to us separately from different sources - for refurbishment - that we cannot repair because the alloy has both corroded and cracked through where the ball joint is fitted (and If someone will post me how to put photo's easily on this forum I will happily supply pictures).

On further inspection we found that there are no identifying casting marks (as always on Porsche OEM parts), the ball joint housing was 35mm diameter (whereas they have always been 33mm) and on testing the strength of the cast alloy we find it much weaker than the OEM parts we have here.

Having already been offered new replacements very cheaply from China (but that we would have to buy in bulk before receiving samples for testing "" so refused) and with rumours there are weaker options manufactured from the USA (or perhaps just sourced and sold from there) "" that don't last very long "" I suspect that these poor examples are the first of this supply and if so it is worrying and they could be very dangerous.

Proper tests and analysis are now under way but in the meantime if anyone can throw any light on the subject "" it could protect readers from making a serious mistake.

Before competitors with commercial interests in supplying these rogue parts start a campaign against us for exposing this possibility may I just state quite clearly that in running our business we have no plans for further expansion, are achieving our financial and commercial objectives and have no interest in trying to expand our share of this refurbishment market (that we already supply with many parts for different models).

We are just bringing this position to readers attention (that we feel will become a more common problem as irresponsible people try to profiteer at the expense of safety or long life) and to remind everyone of the old adage that price is not always the best guide to performance and longevity.

Baz

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Edit by Richard: Pics added.

 

[dij999]

price is not always the best guide to performance and longevity

On the contrary I think that price usually is the best guide.

If it costs more it usually is better. Whether it needs to be better is a different matter, though with the kind of items you describe I am sure it does.

As I have had two 'control arms' replaced by independents recently I will inspect for casting markings.

 

[bazhart]

Perhaps I should have expanded that last comment about price.

If someone makes new steel and rubber parts and fits them into original Porsche wishbones or track control arms - it will not cost as much as also providing a new casting as well to fit them into.

Therefore it is possible to recondition good quality and still be reasonably priced (as we are @ £95.00/arm).

To make the same parts plus the casting and sell for a similar price - something has to give and if it is the quality of the casting - it could - as the pictures reveal - be dangerous.

It is also possible to make a part to be much stronger and higher quality than it will ever need to be to fulfill its function and that could cost much more. That altrnative will be better theoretically - but uneccessarily so.

The "best part" for me is something perfectly reliable and acceptable that is not too expensive and not something totally over the top that cost far more than it need to (may be theoretically better) but where both are just as reliable and long lasting in practice - one just cost a lot more than it needed to.


Baz

 

[bazhart]

Sorry wrong photo

Baz