Lakes Region VW/Audi

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by AltnBay

factory suspension recall for wrong ball joint nuts.
http://www.automotive.com/1999/12/fo...lls/index.html

My Take: This is NOT a Ford Recall. This is a Federal Mogal recall of "AFTERMARKET" kits that you either bought at NAPA, etc. or had some garage install after November 2007. So this would not apply to FLLs car which presumably has the Original 1999 ball joints. Nb
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Recall Date
APR 14, 2008


Model Affected
1999 FORD CONTOUR


Description
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 "AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008", WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. (Quotes and Italics are mine. NB)


Consequence
THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.


Remedy
FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.


Potential Units Affected
6903

[fatlazyless]

Called just once yesterday at about 1:30 and got a recorded message; "Sorry, no one here right now, please call back later." So, will try again?

[lawn psycho]

Use the internet to your advantage. I will only use OEM parts in my vehicles. Pick any make of vehicle and do a search for "Ford OEM parts".

There are a lot of big dealerships around the country who sell OEM parts much cheaper than what you would pay retail. You can often find the OEM parts end up at the same price or even a smidge cheaper than the aftermarket VIP, NAPA parts.

Example: I got my Accord front rotors and pads (Honda OEM) with shipping at a cost of $175 and I have a deal with a local shop who will use the parts I provide. I just don't get a warranty. Dealer charges $475 for the job. I got it done for parts + $75 for him to install. Total cost was $250 using OEM pads and rotors. 1/2 the cost of the dealer...... I've got several examples of this.

Paying to have 3 vehicles on the road I save a lot of money doing it this way. Go ask the local guy if you provide the parts if he will install them. Most will if they are OEM but some will not.

[dpg]

Originally Posted by NHBoat70

Keep your ears posted...I will be giving an update on a "new" VW repair shop sometime next month. Just know that your car will be in good hands when this opens up.

What does this mean? Are you opening it?

[fatlazyless]

Well....whadayaknow....looks like Kip & Joe are back tuning VW bugs at the KarKraft building next to Wal-Mart......in today's LaDaSun...German Motosports....or something?