New twist to halfshaft problem...replacement parts availability?


lthlvpr

GT Owner
Mar 8, 2006
299
So, my dealer just informed me that the replacement/upgraded parts are on backorder with no expected delivery time. Interesting....

Yet another negative for Ford. I feel sorry for the next person left on the side of the road due to faulty washers/bolts and now has to have their car sit in a dealership indefinitely for the parts to become available. Doesn't sound like a great way to treat your VIP customers.

Here is another interesting perspective....
I have heard people claim that we should pay for this ourselves (since Ford won't); pointing to the fact that so few cars have had this failure. I am not convinced that all the data points and facts are being represented. I have heard numbers like <1% of all cars are effected, etc... Well, are they basing this on total production or the approximate 1/3-1/2 of cars produced that have the non heat treated washers. Did they consider how many people paid for this upgrade to be done already before it happens? How about the fact that many of these cars sit in garages, undriven. Or that those that are driven, on average, are driven very few miles, so they are much less likely to have the problem occur now. If this does become a recall, are they going to reimburse people on the parts and labor before it was issued a recall?

It sounds to me that Ford is playing the risk game. They are hoping that either people pay for it themselves or by the time it happens the warranty will have run out and it will be out of pocket anyway. Maybe I am being too harsh, but something just doesn't seem right.

Thoughts?
 
Remember the Pinto!

Bean counters are always calculating risk vs. reward, real cost vs. potential liability. If they were better at the calculations Ford wouldn't be in the mess that they are in. Do you expect them to change now?


BlackICE
 
If anyone fixes this problem themselves keep the receipt. Ford will usually riemburse previous repairs when a recall comes out. Also, Ford has privisions for After Warranty Adjustments (AWA) by individual dealers on a case by case basis. I don't think Ford Motor Company will dump on any owners and certainly not on owners who shell out 160 grand for thier product. Just my .02 worth.
 
Accufab has come out with a replacement set of washers and bolts already. Give them a call...
 
Washer Kit

I received TWO Washer Kits Last week, P/N: 4G7Z-7B368-BA. This is the UPDATED Replacement Kit!!

AMB
 
I received TWO Washer Kits Last week, P/N: 4G7Z-7B368-BA. This is the UPDATED Replacement Kit!!

AMB - I bought and received this kit last week too. What a damn rip-off. Sometimes I think Ford is just brain-dead. How they can make something so brilliant as the GT and then charge like hell for this kit and it doesn't even have all of the parts you need. It's beyond me.

The "kit" lists for $90 and I think I paid around $75. The kit is comprised of two washers and 4 bolts. That's it. No Loc-tite, and no (12) halfshaft bolts that are SUPPOSED to be discarded after disassembly. So, with this kit, I'd be pretty certain that 99% of the Ford dealers are going to do the repair incorrectly (i.e, not in conformance to their own Service Manual.) Perfect, just perfect.
 
Sorry to hear of your issues

Man I have to be one lucky guy. The dealer here in Bowling Green, Ky (Greenwood Ford) ordered the parts, made the change (even saftey wired the new bolts), replaced the axle bolts, all with no questions asked, other than when would you like it done, and at no charge. This was a precaution as the bolts had not failed, and were not loose when they were removed. The car did have the silver washer, however.

BTW, I mentioned the transaxle breather oil blow by, and suggested that they pick up the cost to replace it with one of the products that one of our owners here on the forum sells (179.00), and they said they could probably cover the cost, and again, asked when I wanted to bring it back. I haven't pushed it. There may come a day when we have a major conflict, but so far, I have nothing but positive things to say about the Service Manager, Tony, and the chief mechanic, Billy. Top notch guys.

I feel for you guys who have the other types you have to deal with. Been there, hated it.
 
How are you guys getting the replacement kits? My dealer is telling me that they are not avaialble, and that they are on backorder with no estimated availability date.
 
HeritageBruce said:
Accufab has come out with a replacement set of washers and bolts already. Give them a call...
The whole story, Capitalism at it's best ! greedy producer not stepping up, smart entrepreneur making it his business ....

America, I salute you ! :usa