Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 22:48:03 -0800 From: Rupunzel_B <wnstornopsamigy.net> Subject: Re: Saab 9-5 suspension snaps
carrutnnopsameja.com wrote: > > Hi > > Thanks for your reply. Sorry for the mucked-up re-post there too. > > The part is cast iron, as you say. Saab whisked it away and replaced it > under warranty. I had it examined beforehand by a Structural Engineer, > and his comments were so worrying that I insisted Saab carry out a > proper metallurgical investigation, with x-rays, microscopes and so on. > They weren't keen, saying it was unreasonable, and the car was safe in > their opinion. *Sorry, I don't think this is unreasonable at all. Just imagine what would happen if you were traveling at over 100 mph if this were to happen. *suspensions and their components should not fail unless the car is severely damaged. > They have now done a proper analysis, weeks later , and will let me have > a copy of the report. They say that the report shows I've damaged the > car , the rear wheel has been hit by some large force causing the > suspension to twist, bend and break. *I will not buy into this. > I told them it happened reversing out of my drive at 3 mph and nothing > was hit but they don't seem to believe me. > They even said that maybe someone with a fork-lift truck rammed > the car wrecking the suspension but nothing else ! > > They say that the part is not to spec, according to their analysis, > and would be more brittle than it should be. But that has nothing > to do with the fracture ! *You do not make suspension components out of ANYTHING that is brittle. The materials used to make these parts must bend and give a significant amount before failure. > I would appreciate any knowledge you could share with me on the subject > of the seemingly brittle fracture, since I need all the help I can get ! *Brittle materials can be prone to stress fractures leading to failures. Glass is an example of something brittle, It is entirely possible for a small notch on the surface of the part, growing and causing the part to fail. Sharp edges on parts are stress risers and can cause these types of failures. These types of failures are aggravated by brittle materials. > ps. They reckon that since I have obviously damaged the car I will have > to pay for the repair now ! *IMO, get the car fixed and sell it. If this is an example of GM/SAAB engineering, just think of what else could be wrong or cheapened with this car.. Cut you losses now. The next part/design failure could injure you. Bernice
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