posted 03-21-2003 06:49 PM         

First,
Yes Larry, I'm offended. Your post on the "oh yeahs" could fit me perfectly. BUT, I DID listen to her. I DID tell my tech. I DID try to get DC to replace mine. 24 hours before my passenger ball joint failed, I was getting an oil change at my dealership. I informed my tech of the recall and of my symptoms; he not only drove my Kat, but inspected the ball joints as well. He saw NO SIGNS of corrosion or problems. I am fully confident of his knowledge and skills as a tech. So, I ask you, are you justified with those statements?

Second,
For those that think you can take your Kat down to your dealership and pay for the "new" arms and then get reimbursed... think again! There are NONE available. Go ahead, call and ask. They are currently on NATIONAL BACK ORDER. The company that makes them is projected to have 300 made on the 25th... of APRIL!
Now, does that sound like DC is pushing to get this done quickly? I think not. Does someone have to get seriously hurt or killed before they start pushing to get this done?
That's what I would like people to start thinking about.

posted 03-21-2003 07:20 PM         

My point is that your dealer's Prowler Tech did not do a complete and thorough exam of your car.
He made a mis-diagnosis. He made a mistake that put you and others in jeopardy. From what I've read and been told there is no visible means of determining a defective ball joint in our cases with the Prowlers. As I understand the problem, the ball joint pin pulls out of the ball joint socket. Until this happens, there is no visible warning, only the warning signs I mentioned before.

I feel (maybe I'm wrong) that the only way to properly inspect the ball joints for binding is to disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle, have the car sitting on a wheel alignment bearing plate to insure freedom of movement, and then turn the wheel by hand to the extents of it's travel. The weight must be on the car while this is being done. The normal ball joint checking procedure of lifting the tire to check the ball joint for wear will not work as there will be no movement if the ball joint is frozen or galled.

You seem to have taken all of the correct steps JP.
In my opinion, the only thing that you are guilty of is listening to your Prowler Tech when you yourself knew that something wasn't right and you felt there was a problem.

Not all mechanics are created equal and not all mechanics have or will take the time to diagnose a problem correctly. Sometimes it's easier to just change parts until the problem goes away.
In your case, the ball joint broke before the Tech replaced a lot of parts and eventually found your problem.
He would have gotten there sooner or later.

posted 03-24-2003 06:57 PM         

I just wanted to chime in on your question about taking part of the responsibility and liability in the case of an accident. Absolutely not. The only way that DC could get away with that was if they issued a statement not to drive the cars until they were fixed and you still drove it. Ford and Firestone tried and failed to claim this on some of the accidents with their Explorers. Stating that certain accidents happened after the recall but before the drivers could get their cars into the shop. It is their fault and problem, not ours. I’m not offended by Larry’s post and don’t want to start an argument over someone’s views but since he put in his opinion I will put in mine. If they were so worried and really wanted to prevent possible injuries then they would put out a no drive notice but since it comes down to the bottom line of $’s no car company would ever do this. It is the simple equation of what the possible amount of lawsuits would cost vs. the amount that might happen before the recall is made and put into effect. I know this will upset some people that work for DC but I didn’t make any of this up. It is a fact of the bottom line in business. Money is king. Look at Ford and Firestone. They knew about the tire problem for months and did nothing about it until they started getting sued. Then suddenly they came out all apologetic and sorry and starting one of the biggest recalls in automotive history.

posted 03-24-2003 07:08 PM         

quote:

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It appears that DC is mailing the recall notification and detailed service procedures to the dealers starting this week. Recall notices should begin being mailed out next week to owners, so watch your mailbox. Dealers should be better prepared to answer questions within the next week.

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