Aftermarket suspension system failure
Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 18:51
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Geoff M
I have an Iroman
suspension kit fitted to our BT50 which we have been happy with until recently. On a trip across the
Simpson desert and into
Innamincka, the RHR
suspension snapped its top leaf and jumped clean out of the front support! This required a bush repair to get the remaining 60km's into town, a temporary repair and hefty repair bill.
On return to home, I contacted Ironman who, to their credit, replaced the both sets of rear springs and re-imbursed my repair costs from
Innamincka. This was a better result than expected, and certainly better than some dealings I have had with ARB on warranty issues of other aftermarket products.
I am disappointed with the failure, especially as I upgraded the
suspension for improved load carrying and travelling. We have a Trayon camper that is one of the lightest traytops available, minimised the extras we carried, and made sure the overall weight was below the vehicle GVM. I am interested in other people's experiences with
suspension failures, and with the performance of ironman
suspension products.
We hope to have many more years of travelling our great country and hope to avoid
suspension repairs on the side of the road.
Reply By: MEMBER - Darian (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:06
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:06
I don't think anybody makes vehicles or add-ons that are guaranteed not to fail while dune running on a Simpson Crossing - to be fair to the suppliers, the people who make the gear aren't driving your car. On the face of it, you seem to have been 'looked after' by Iron Man - No ?
AnswerID:
378542
Follow Up By: Geoff M - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:25
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:25
Yes - can't argue about Ironman's followup and assistance after the event. However I would have preferred to not have to deal with a broken spring in the first place. I have owned other vehicles with aftermarket
suspension that had to deal with extreme conditions, and survived. I am hoping that this is indeed a 'once-off', but I suppose time will tell.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:27
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:27
Thats very surprising and almost perhaps an issue that stems back to the when the
suspension was fitted? Anyway sounds like they looked after you however not reassuring for further travel? Did Ironman make any suggestions as to the possible causes?
AnswerID:
378546
Reply By: howesy - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:37
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:37
Even the best manufacturers barring none have the occassional product come through thats not up to scratch.
Its how they deal with that situation that determines their Cred.
I would say you would have to go a long way to find too many manufacturers that would also reimbuse those repair costs, most would only pay for replacement of defective gooods. They treated you
well in my book.
having said that you concede that they were good but as to their products, your the first one I've heard to have a susp. failure from that brand lets hope its a one off for you.
AnswerID:
378549
Reply By: Member - Barnray (NSW) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:51
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 19:51
Geoff I have had a new Piston ring break because of a porosity hole from the manufacturing process, I spat the dummy because I was out bush doing a Perkins engine rebuild and was returning home in a couple of day's, I was lucky that the Dealer was able to supply a new set of rings by fast freight. Barnray
AnswerID:
378553
Reply By: Member - Andrew L (QLD) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 20:59
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 20:59
I think you shpould be thankfull for their support, and they were not familiar with the full scenario at the failure time.. ie load, speed, tyre pressures etc.
Sounds like a fairly good outcome for you considering.
AnswerID:
378566
Reply By: 4wd 4 Life - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 22:14
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 22:14
You have to give them credit for replacing and re-imbursement.
Most other similar stories that involve original equipment don't usually end up with the same result although you must take into account the after market brand you are talking about price and market their product to the price consious (cheaper) end of the market.
A good end result Geoff , all things considered.
AnswerID:
378589
Reply By: Travelin OZ - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 22:31
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 22:31
If I had started this thread it would have said.
Ironman
suspension, you can't beat their service and back up.
AnswerID:
378591
Follow Up By: Leroy - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 16:21
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 16:21
2nd that.
Leroy
FollowupID:
646036
Reply By: Geoff M - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 07:52
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 07:52
Ironman were unsure of the actual reason for the failure, but suggested that it may have caused by the bush not allowing the spring to flex correctly (they found that bush was tight - problem with initial installation).
I am hopeful that the problem is resolved.
Furthermore, I have been very impressed with Ironmans after sales service and more recommend them to others. I have had recent dealings with ARB on warranty issues on a fuel
tank and compressor that has left me out-of-pocket and frustrated. With the other competing products that Ironman now supply maybe they will eat into the big players market share and they may have to lift their game.
AnswerID:
378616
Reply By: trainslux - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 10:24
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 10:24
Just be thankfull it wasnt arb ome springs, you would have had a far worse time than that.
Trains
AnswerID:
378630
Follow Up By: Geoff M - Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:28
Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:28
After several months of negotiation with ARB on a Long
Ranger fuel
tank weld failure, I am very glad I didn't have to go through that again. ARB generally make good stuff, but their after sales service sucks in my opinion. Ironman are streets ahead in this area.
Geoff
FollowupID:
646020