Warning!

[CatmanV2]

They could say the new arm is simply supplied by a different part supplier now and they cast the arms differently.
!

This happens all the time in every industry I've ever worked in. Sometimes it's to make improvements, sometimes to reduce costs, sometimes different suppliers.

C

 

[T-axle]

This happens all the time in every industry I've ever worked in. Sometimes it's to make improvements, sometimes to reduce costs, sometimes different suppliers.

C

CatmanV2 is absolutely right here.
Difference is not the part number, but a reference to a "drawing number" (technical drawings/ CAD). Most cases, only OEM and supplier know about it.

 

[highlander]

i had not received any contact from visa after submitting the form last week so pinged them an email - see reply below so if anyone has submitted and vosa did not get back to them best to resubmit!!!!!

Hello Mr Maclachlan,

Thank you for your email.

After checking our records I can confirm the report you refer to was never received. Do you have a copy of the form you could send?

For your information forms completed on-line using Internet Explorer (IE) 8 are not arriving in this office. The fault is being investigated but for now if you opt to fill in details on-line can you ensure you use a newer version of IE, or Google Chrome / Mozilla Firefox.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Regards,

Rob Parry
Vehicle Safety Branch | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency | First Floor | Berkeley House | Croydon Street | Bristol | BS5 ODA
Phone: 01179-543300




Find out more about government services at http://www.gov.uk/dvsa

 

[Contigo]

Matt

This will turn out to be the crucial piece in the discussions with maserati.
What possible reason can there be to modify (improve) a component and retain the same part number?

I'm told that Maserati outsourced their parts manufacture to third party companies at the time of recession. I wonder if some of the different arms are from different machines and specs etc...

 

[alfatwo]

I'm told that Maserati outsourced their parts manufacture to third party companies at the time of recession. I wonder if some of the different arms are from different machines and specs etc...

I hope there not Chinese....There's lots of Yingtong repro old Alfa parts on the market,most are rubbish and not fit for purpose!

I don't know how they get into the EU componant suppy chain but they do...there mostly perfect copies of the original but made of toffee!

Hopefully dear old Fiat haven't stupped that low!

Dave

 

[karatemaserati]

are wishbones from each model of the coupe interchangeable 3200, 4200 , GS?

also would U.S ones fit our cars?

 

[conaero]

Yes, all 4200/GS arms fit all cars but origional 3200 arms are a different casting and don't have the 3 screw holes to mount the ARB and xenon droplink bar.

I beleive the 3200 new casting has the mounts they just need tapping if you want to fit to a 4200.

 

[rockits]

Just checked mine this morning briefly with my local guy over the road at work. Unfortunately his 3rd ramp we could have done with using was busy having a diff replaced on an old Triumph Herald. Going to go back next week to check up on the ramp for sure but looks OK on my two lower fronts at the moment. Certainly no obvious cracks obvious to the naked eye at this stage.

 

[rockits]

For the record mine is a 2007 4200 with 11,900 miles. It will be going to probably Emblem in the Summer for its yearly service so will get them to do a full check then as well. Going to get her and cleaned underneath and waxoyl'd I think.

Would like to do something to the exhaust so thinking about what to do. Will assess the condition of the exhaust in all places next Saturday while up on the ramp to see if that forces any decisions.

 

[Contigo]

Emblem will look after you and get the inspection done it's well worth it. You will have a list as long as your arm of things to do but that's the fun right?

 

[rs48635]

My 2001 3200 has this type of casting, with three bosses (on both upper and lower faces) ready to be tapped for the ARB / Xenon mount.
Appears to be same component just flipped between driver and passenger side. therefor should be the same price for any 3200 buyers. Just buy the cheaper on and fit where needed.

Anyone out there confirm? (I may need one quite soon)

Yes, all 4200/GS arms fit all cars but origional 3200 arms are a different casting and don't have the 3 screw holes to mount the ARB and xenon droplink bar.

I beleive the 3200 new casting has the mounts they just need tapping if you want to fit to a 4200.

 

[rs48635]

I am in the club, so will formulate a submission to VOSA later today.
I am beyond gutted. To think I likely did 3000 miles hooning around europe last siummer, including 6 mountain passes. Luck to be here.


No better looking dirty, but shows how difficult these are to spot. Mine does also makes a cracking / knuckling noise over bumps and at full lock. Or it did when I was still driving.

 

[karatemaserati]

Thaks Matt. Also any differences between u.s and euro parts?

 

[highlander]

Sorry rob but better to at least know I reckon

 

[alfatwo]

Just a thought here guys....of all the pics shown, the bushes all look in poor condition...

Maybe when the metal outer part of the bush starts to corrode it expands and eventually cracks the aluminium mounting...

Just a thought

Dave

 

[conaero]

Rob that was a lucky escape mate. I really can't see how Maserati are going to wriggle out of this its discusting.

 

[conaero]

Just checked mine this morning briefly with my local guy over the road at work. Unfortunately his 3rd ramp we could have done with using was busy having a diff replaced on an old Triumph Herald. Going to go back next week to check up on the ramp for sure but looks OK on my two lower fronts at the moment. Certainly no obvious cracks obvious to the naked eye at this stage.

View attachment 26772
View attachment 26773

That top pic looks like it has a dirty great crack through it!

 

[highlander]

That top pic looks like it has a dirty great crack through it!

I agree, might be angle and flash but worth another look I think.

 

[rockits]

Don't do that to me! Looked ok with my eyes. I think it is lipped and creating a shadow.

 

[rockits]

Just a thought here guys....of all the pics shown, the bushes all look in poor condition...

Maybe when the metal outer part of the bush starts to corrode it expands and eventually cracks the aluminium mounting...

Just a thought

Dave

Dave, I agree. I think there could be something in the ones with poorer condition bushes. Maybe as they wear and are less able to do there job the casting is taking more stress/load than they were designed for.