Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
Advice on broken chassis bracket please!!
So.. 3 weeks ago a new driver decided to pull out if a junction and smash straight into the offside side of my beloved d3, on intial impact there didn't seem much damage, just a massive chunk gouged out if the alloy and a piece of the other cars bumper sticker in the tyre! But underneath, the track rod is bent and the chassis bracket is bent/ripped. She's been sent off to Landover to have all necessary repairs but I'm currently having an argument with them regarding the chassis bracket. They seem to think it's ok to heat up the bracket and hammer back into place and weld it, my issue is this will weaken the bracket and devalue my beloved car. Why are they unwilling to replace it? I insisted on speaking to the mechanic responsible for the repairs at Landover and he confirmed that they used to replace them. Any advice or stories of your experience on this would be gratefully received. Thanks.
21st Nov 2018 12:48 pm
Slipalong
Member Since: 03 Nov 2018
Location: Sussex
Posts: 29
The steel bracket in the chassis will not be heat treated, so if the bracket is warmed up to return it to its correct location and alignment I personally don't see a problem. Assuming it is seam welded to the chassis rail to reinforce the repair.
Grinding the deformed one off and replacing it will be a lot more work so extra $$$.
Are you paying or the offending driver?
21st Nov 2018 1:18 pm
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4400
I believe the front bracket is bolted on anyway? Replacement with new would seem the most logical thing to do.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
21st Nov 2018 1:21 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
Thank you for the reply, the offending driver is paying, it's just incredibly annoying overall! Landover have had my d3 for 3 weeks so far, so theoretically they could have replaced it in the time they've taken 🙄
21st Nov 2018 1:24 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
Rrhool thank you for your reply, it's the rear offside bracket, I'll try and upload a picture of the damage.
21st Nov 2018 1:25 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
This is the split bracket
21st Nov 2018 1:26 pm
Slipalong
Member Since: 03 Nov 2018
Location: Sussex
Posts: 29
In that case I would insist is done correctly. Normally insurance work has to return the vehicle to factory so there are no questions / issues with future accident being caused by sub standard work.
21st Nov 2018 1:26 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
21st Nov 2018 1:28 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
Thanks Slipalong, that's what I've been arguing with them about, they don't seem to want to take my points on board! All very frustrating!
21st Nov 2018 1:29 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
21st Nov 2018 1:31 pm
rrhool
Member Since: 28 Aug 2014
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 4400
Ahh, I see. There doesn't seem much option but to heat and reshape. It's an integral part of the chassis.
If it's done well, and protected after welding (wax or paint) it should be good.Richard
D3 SE 2007. Triumph 2.5Pi 1973. Ferguson TEA20 1948.
Discovery 2 4.0 ES 2001- Gone
Discovery 1 300Tdi ES '95 - Gone
Range Rover Classic '79 - Gone
21st Nov 2018 1:43 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
Rrhool, thanks for the advice, it's a shame that it seems the only option, hey ho, I'm just keen to drive her again!
21st Nov 2018 1:45 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26701
So long as its heated before being knocked back into shape I don’t see the problem. Any gaps can be seam welded to strengthen it.
Looks pretty rusty anyway? At least it will get a coat of paint!
21st Nov 2018 1:57 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72787
Slipalong wrote:
In that case I would insist is done correctly. Normally insurance work has to return the vehicle to factory so there are no questions / issues with future accident being caused by sub standard work.
That might well take it to or beyond the point of writing the car off.
21st Nov 2018 2:03 pm
Landybird
Member Since: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 12
Yep she hasn't had her winter undercoat yet (would have been done at the beginning of this month but she was away being worked on) fair enough if it's the only way to be done, I'm not happy about it but guess I'll have to live with it, I've only owned her for 7 months so I'm still learning hence the questions, I owned a D2 for 7 years previously. Cheers for all the input
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