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147 wear and tear parts.....

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parts tear
1K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  Alsalfa 
#1 ·
Hi there, i'm new to the AO site and just working out where to post my post, think this is the right forum ..... anyway I recently bought a 1.9 JTD Multijet 147 which is nearly 4 years old now, done just over 30k. Both upper wishbones have been replaced within the last month (since purchase). I have developed the infamous 'front end knock'. Went to a local mechanic who has also noted play in a bush on the steering rack, just as i dreaded. The noise however is ARB related.

In short i'll have to get a new steering rack to pass MOT, obviously bl&&dy expensive. Therefore I was wondering if anyone would advise getting anything else done whilst I'm at it? Planning to get ARB, drop links and rack done as both involve taking off the subframe, I'd be very grateful if anyone had any tips of other wear and tear parts to get done at the same time? I'd rather just spend a small fortune all at once (ouch!)

Incidentally I only bought this 'Used and Approved' car from a renowned alfa dealer who had apparently fully serviced it in Dec 08 prior to my purchase in Jan 09 - Since purchase both upper wishbones gone, brake pads wore out after 4 weeks, having been told 'at least 12 months in them'. Now having to replace the aforementioned rack and ARB. Is that normal?!!!! More importantly is it acceptable if this dealer had the vehicle used and approved and fully serviced and MOT'd that I am having to carry out essential maintenance within 4 to 8 weeks of purchase...Again I would really interested to hear what folk think. Cheers
 
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#2 ·
Hello doctor Buster, sorry you are having so many problems with your 147,
In reply to your first question, if if you having the subframe out to do ARB then this would be the time to fit a Q2 diff ( if you have any hankerings after one).
You should seriously consider going back to the dealer and expressing your displeasure at the condition of your Approved used 147.
may get some of the work done for free.
Welcome to AO and good luck with the 147
cheers
Rod
 
#7 ·
Servicing to them probably meant just changing the oil and MOT was just a quick look. Having to replace stuff just two months later is taking the ****.
It really peeves you off don't it, the fact you buy a car FULLY MOT'd and the next year it fails on a Million different points.


I'm with you, I'm sure most secondhand car places (whether they be main dealers or backstreet) just give it a quick look over and issue an MOT.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Did you get any sort of warranty? I can understand wishbones and pads wearing, pads are service items afterall, but a rack should last longer than 30K. I would class that as premature wear, not wear and tear.
Speak to the garage nicely about replacing the rack and see if your warranty covers it.
At 79k, I just replaced my upper wishbones and arb droplinks ( 156) . All clonking has gone. The car was mot`d in Nov 08 and passed, even though the upper wishbone balljoints had so much play in them when I changed them 3000 miles later, they must have been noticeably loose when it was tested. And the rubber boots were taped up with electrical tape ( and a generous helping of mud!)
Speaking of warranties, my car came with a 12 month 5 star warranty. The aircon was regassed when I bought it ( in Jan 09) but its stopped working. The local garage reckon the compressor is leaking and contacted the warranty company( WMS). They have offered £299 + 1.5 hrs labour towards repair. Quite impressed with their attitude!
Allan
 
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