Half way to work and...... Jolt!

[JamesT5]

Any news on the rest ?

Not yet mate, I'll post more when I get an update.

[silverhorse]

Nice one James. Keep plugging away!!!

[AAnickmac]

thats good news with the AA. I'm glad its all finally sorted out.

[JamesT5]

Just to update you all on this, the warranty claim on the clutch has been refused by Sachs as they claim the failure was down to a misalignment of the clutch. The issue now sits with the garage who originally fitted the clutch and I am going to pursue a claim for a refund of the work undertaken, firstly by writing to the owner and asking him for a refund, supplying professional statements to support my case. I'll also speak with consumer direct for some solid legal advice and ultimately, I may have to launch a claim in the civil court if he fails to co-operate, but this will be as a last resort.

There is one person I cannot fault through all of this, and I that is Jamie at Parts for Volvos. I'd like to thank Jamie for doing everything he can to assist me with this and for providing such excellent customer service throughout.

I now feel it's appropriate to post up 'that picture' taken by Bridgend Volvo Specialists of my old clutch when they took it out. This of course, will for part of my evidence!

[Harvey]

Well I can see how the drive failed,very good luck with the next bit with garage.

[V70 Graham]

Yes good luck with the original garage James, I trust the car is now running well

[JamesT5]

Yes good luck with the original garage James, I trust the car is now running well

Thanks, and yes it's going well now hence I've been driving like a complete tit the last week now that my wheels have been rebalanced with stick on weights from ATS. Just got to get my intermittent boost loss issue sorted and the ABS pump fitted... Oh, and some powerflex bushes on the control arms (MRP job)...

[graemewelch]

i fail to see how a clutch cant be aligned correctly. if its not aligned try getting a 40k box go on.

[stribo]

i fail to see how a clutch cant be aligned correctly. if its not aligned try getting a 40k box go on.

As Graeme says, the clutch is only aligned to get the gearbox on, once in situ, the clutch sits on the input shaft, so can't go out of alignment.

[merc85]

What about the 2nd hand flywheel, how's the claim going on that??

[JamesT5]

As Graeme says, the clutch is only aligned to get the gearbox on, once in situ, the clutch sits on the input shaft, so can't go out of alignment.

According to Sachs it can be misaligned, this is the report they provided to Jamie at PFV.

[JamesT5]

What about the 2nd hand flywheel, how's the claim going on that??

I won't have a case there Gav, the DMF was within Volvo tolerances.

[Harvey]

As Graeme says, the clutch is only aligned to get the gearbox on, once in situ, the clutch sits on the input shaft, so can't go out of alignment.

I guess they mean when they fitted the box back on the engine,are they saying it got damaged then,forced the gearbox shaft into the plate then forced it into the flywheel did not get it lined up right ?.

[JamesT5]

I guess they mean when they fitted the box back on the engine,are they saying it got damaged then,forced the gearbox shaft into the plate then forced it into the flywheel did not get it lined up right ?.

Wouldn't surprise me if they had!

[graemewelch]

cant tell me that a garage no matter how small dosnt have a clutch alinement tool. it a faulty clutch and they wont admit it, its that simple. i must of fitted 30 clutches and never once have i used alignment tool and never had any issues. if the gearbox gose on its aligned. simples. if it was me i be asking for the full report and how can they prove it wasnt there fault.

[JamesT5]

cant tell me that a garage no matter how small dosnt have a clutch alinement tool. it a faulty clutch and they wont admit it, its that simple. i must of fitted 30 clutches and never once have i used alignment tool and never had any issues. if the gearbox gose on its aligned. simples. if it was me i be asking for the full report and how can they prove it wasnt there fault.

Well I'll pass this feedback on to PFV but it's Sachs that make the decision.

[Gold 'N' Brown]

What you really need is some sort of totally independent engineer's report. Of course Sachs are going to try and dodge the bullet (I know some companies would do the honourable thing and admit liability but most don't). What do you think the garage will do when you go knocking on their door? They will say it wasn't their fault and tell you to prove it. Then you've got a stalemate between Sachs and the garage.

Reminds me of a guy on Alfa Owners that had a cambelt tensioner let go 30 miles after it was fitted. Did the usual destruction to his V6 head when the belt went. It was obvious when the tensioner was removed that it had failed, but the manufacturer denied it and wouldn't stump up. I don't know what the eventual outcome was, just that they totally denied all liability at the outset.

[LeeT5]

Well I'll pass this feedback on to PFV but it's Sachs that make the decision.

Then they better have some concrete evidence to back up their decision when you take 'em to a small claims court! Unless they can provide evidence that in your case, the clutch was misaligned, then they're talking bull. They are pinning their decision on the fact that you are the underdog and it was a third party (ie garage) that fitted their SACHS clutch, therefore - the garage is at fault!

Really??? Sounds to me like SACHS are calling your bluff and hoping this will just 'go away'. I bet they think the garage will just fix it for free or that you will come to some kid of financial agreement to put it right. They won't think that you will pursue this ALL the way and SACHS might end up in court over it!! That's why they have just 'fobbed you off mate'. I mean, a large international company like SACHS couldn't possibly be wrong....could they?

[JamesT5]

Ok, just to update you all on this, I've spoken to the Citizens Advice Bureau Consumer Helpline just for clarification.

On their advice, I am now taking the matter up formally with the garage that fitted the clutch and gearbox originally. I have been to see the owner of the garage, presented various pieces of evidence including the clutch itself and various inspection reports, and at this time he is unwilling to pay out for the 'damages' incurred including loss of earning for when I broke down and had to take the night off work. He did say however, he'd consider paying out if Trading Standards verified the fault was with him (they only get involved under certain circumstances).

A letter has been sent via Special Delivery making a formal claim for damages, I'm advised that ultimately I can take this to the small claims court if I can't resolve it with the trader.

I'll keep you all updated if I get any significant progress.

[graemewelch]

I cant see how you can prove that the garage was to blame. More likley it was a faulty part. If the clutch isnt fitted correctly then it wouldnt work. The fact that i didnt fail for months says to me that your clutching at straws. The work was done under warranty so i dont understand the fuss