Can cracked alloys be repaired?

[iantowil]

Originally Posted by T240

To be fair to Volvo, you're referring to Volvo UK, who are a law unto themselves, it seems, and are less than helpful on many issues.


T

Absolutely, Volvo UK are a disgrace - But who controls Volvo UK. Who put the people in place at Volvo UK?

Volvo build nice cars - you don't mind small issues as long as they try and help - Volvo UK DON'T! They sound p....ed off just saying "Hello", and that's before you've even asked them about anything.

Just for anyone reading this thinking about by a Volvo Selekt car - read the warranty info - it seams the exclusion list is EXTENSIVE!

[michyplonks]

I think the most annoying thing is there is obviously a problem with the C70 wheels and with the unique offset they have a captured market when it comes to replacement, so what do they do? Make it their most expensive wheel!

[iantowil]

Maybe worth asking Volvo on their protocol for deciding between damage and a manufacturing problem - wheel failure could mean life or death, so I can only assume they would "welcome" someone coming to them with such an issue - they should be biting your arm off to get hold of the wheel and get a failure metallurgist to examine it - of course they said "go away". If you're convinced there has been no damage and the wheel condition shows this to be the case, take it further - they are on dodgy ground if they don't even look at it.

[michyplonks]

In all fairness, the first time it happened I found a slight flatspot in the wheel (and I mean really slight) about 10 inches from the crack, but this time on another wheel there is absolutely no evidence of any kerbing, flatspots or any other damage except for two cracks about 12 inches apart.

I bet you any money that when I go for the next sevice Volvo tell me that my newest wheel is out of true, even though it has not been down any potholes, but how do you prove it?

I now know of many cases where new C70's have had all four wheels replaced at between 17000 and 22000 miles, and then again after another 20 or so thousand miles. The problem is not just confined to the UK so it kind of waters the problem down locally. That is why Volvo dealers just shrug their shoulders.

Surely its a case of supplied goods not fit for purpose.

Maybe a letter or phonecall to Watchdog would do the trick........

[T240]

Originally Posted by iantowil

Absolutely, Volvo UK are a disgrace - But who controls Volvo UK. Who put the people in place at Volvo UK?

Volvo build nice cars - you don't mind small issues as long as they try and help - Volvo UK DON'T! They sound p....ed off just saying "Hello", and that's before you've even asked them about anything.

Just for anyone reading this thinking about by a Volvo Selekt car - read the warranty info - it seams the exclusion list is EXTENSIVE!

Fair point.

The feeling I get having talked to them, is this:
1. If you're buying a new car from us, GREAT!!

2. If you want to know anything about "that old **** we used to make" forget it.

3. If you want some help 'cause you're car has gone wrong, "Try speaking to Gothenburg, 'cause we just don't have the time or resources"

Some of that is my interpretation, some of it actual feedback - the resources thing; but it's a general feeling they give you anyway that makes you wonder if head office actually know how they treat customers new or especially old - as it's us that keep their doors open during the bad times.

Regarding the wheel problems, I think Michy may have hit on something; potentially sub-standard; though if they're still coming form the same makers, like BBS, etc. then they also make wheels for MB and BMW, etc, so the question is do they have the same problem?

Cheers,

T

[michyplonks]

Correct me if i'm wrong but I think MB and BMW both had the same issue but after group pressure they did the right thing and admitted liability.

[iantowil]

T240 - you're right on all counts! They're great when there is thousands of pounds of profit - not so keen to see you come back through the door 5 minutes later with an issue.

Michy, keep plugging away. Certainly try Watchdog. And ask Volvo UK how they can say there is no manufacturing fault without inspection. I work in the metals industry, and castings can always have faults - the plant I work in has its own "Plant Metallurgy" department just to investigate these types of failures. Good job the aircraft industry doesn't put every failure down to human error, or God's Will.