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Pillar talk

I am the proud owner of a 2-year-old Morgan Plus 4, which I am generally very pleased with. Recently (within the 24 month warranty period) the car has needed replacement king pins and bushes which, according to the factory, are wear and tear items. The warranty excludes tyres and consumable items, quote, “brake pads/shoes, clutch lining, etc,” which is similar to any other manufacturer. The car has been serviced by Morgan main agents at the appropriate intervals and the suspension greased as per the supplying dealer. Service intervals are every 6 months or 5,000 miles. The car had done 14,378 miles when the above work was required and the factory will not accept responsibility. They say, quote, “king pins and bushes can be replaced at as little as 12,000 miles or, as I have seen, at 40,000 miles. This is the maximum usage we have ever known through the factory.” My recent letter to them stated that my previous +4 needed replacements after 60,000 miles. Any advice would be most welcome

Asked on 18 April 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
This 'sliding pillar' suspension dates back almost 100 years, but I think you are right that the machining of the components can be of variable quality and you may have a case against the supplier in the small claims track of the county court, citing your previous experience against the stated manufacturer 'life' for the components.
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