Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Discuss anything Morris Minor related.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Matt
Minor Legend
Posts: 3824
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:30 pm
Location: Shropshire/Sussex/Cumbria
MMOC Member: No

Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Matt »

Ok guys - there is a lot of talk at the moment about poor quality parts/panels for our minors... I might regret this but I am going to start complining a list. For obvious reasons this thread will be closely monitored and moderated - comments may be deleted or edited without warning.

I will keep a record of this information and will pass it on to the appropriate person within the MMOC comittee when I feel its appropriate (i.e. there is enough useful info) - as a lot of people here seem reluctant to do so on their own.

If you have had any poor quality NEW parts in the last ~3 years please post up here. what the component is and if relevant what model/engine its for.

On the public post please give:

The component (i.e. wing, clutch, top hose)
The problem with the part (i.e. did not fit, rubber cracked after 2 months etc)
Model (Traveller/Saloon)
Age/Series (If important)
Engine size (if important)
If replaced - was the new part any better


DO NOT POST THE NAMES OF ANY SUPPLIERS, OR SUPPLIER SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THIS THREAD


Please then PM me
Part no,
purchase date,
purchase price,
whether its described as being "top quality" or similar etc
Invoice no
supplier.

If you do not want to post publically please PM me details and I will add it to my (off forum) list. Hopefully this way we will get a good idea what parts need looking at and alternative finding.

This thread is not a place for discussion. Any discussion type posts will be deleted without warning. I am also ONLY looking for specific examples where an item has been bought and is substandard. Generic comments such as "top hoses are rubbish" or "chrome only lasts 6 months" will be removed as I need specifics!

I will not divulge who the suppliers of the parts are - so please do not ask, this is purely to try and improve the quality of parts generally.

Please note: this is not official - I am not doing this as a moderator, I am doing it because I want to try and resolve common problems. I am very busy, so please be aware I may not respond to PMs - but I will record them. There is a lot of data to collect so please don't expect any immediate results. I am not going to act on anyones behalf of any warantee claim etc.

If this thread proves to be useful I will make it in to a sticky.
Serial Morris Minor Owner and Old Vehicle Nutter
www.facebook.com/transitionclassics
jagnut66
Minor Legend
Posts: 3635
Joined: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:28 pm
Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by jagnut66 »

Hi Matt,
Well done for doing this.

Rear brake shoe adjustment cams:
The screw head snapped on three, all 'new' replacements for the previous replacement on the passenger side, which had broke during what I thought was a 'routine' adjustment session.
My car is a 2 door saloon.
I haven't dare go too mad on the last one (as I was afraid it would simply break again!) but I now have to re-do the rear brakes for the MOT, so we shall see how many I go through this time.
The last lot of 'new' replacements (which broke) were bought in January 2013.
Dodgey batch??? Time will tell.....

Here's a picture of a couple of the ones which the screw head snapped on:
[frame]Image[/frame]

Update: The last one had also broken, in half this time, which is why I was fooled, as the outer half appeared (through the adjustment hole in the brake drum) to be working okay and adjusting the shoes as it was supposed to....
MOT fail - rear brakes not working properly -
When I stripped the passenger side down I discovered this:
[frame]Image[/frame]

I have taken the belt and braces approach as I want my car to be safe, so I have replaced the shoes, drums and cylinders on both sides whilst I had it all apart.
As well as another new adjustment cam sourced from a different supplier.......
Result: MOT pass!! :D

Other details in PM as requested.
Best wishes,
Mike.
Last edited by jagnut66 on Sun Sep 08, 2013 2:12 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1954 Series 2: 4 door: "Sally" -- Back on the ground with (slave) wheels and waiting to be resprayed......
1970 Triumph Herald 1200: "Hetty" -- Driven back from Llangollen in Wales (twice.....)
plastic_orange
Minor Legend
Posts: 1405
Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2004 8:34 pm
Location: Broughty Ferry
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by plastic_orange »

I purchased 2 chrome bumper blades which had to be returned as they were in a shocking state. I went elsewhere (they don't all use the same supplier) and got their top quality ones for the same price.
I purchased rubber rear light gaskets - light to wing for an mm series, but they weren't even close to fitting - returned for refund.
I found that the front windscreen rubber for my mm series wasn't the best fit - but they all seem to be like that.
Rear quarter window rubbers that shouldn't require sealant leaked like a sieve until sealed.
Rubber seal for under quarter light area - cracked after 2 years - still to replace.

pm sent.

Pete
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/4e634210.jpg[/img] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/sinky_aps/MorrisRain4.jpg[/img]
irmscher
Minor Legend
Posts: 3773
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2010 10:53 am
Location: South Manchester
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by irmscher »

Quarter light rubbers too big
sills for a two door had to have inches cut off to fit and wing did not fit
windscreen rubber had to have massive amounts of sealant
two failed condensers
brake master cylinder leaked
Budgie
Minor Addict
Posts: 722
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:10 pm
Location: south wales
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Budgie »

Top radiator hose cracked after 18 months, heater valve leaking after two years !
Matt
Minor Legend
Posts: 3824
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:30 pm
Location: Shropshire/Sussex/Cumbria
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Matt »

I cant do anything without the PM Irmscher
Serial Morris Minor Owner and Old Vehicle Nutter
www.facebook.com/transitionclassics
morris van
Minor Legend
Posts: 1206
Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 7:58 pm
Location: UK.
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by morris van »

I got a new exhaust for my Minor van last year and a friend of mine who is a mechanic and had a car lift to make life easy working on cars had a hell of a job fitting it and he had to make new brackets as the ones that came with the exhaust would not fit.

Matt
Minor Legend
Posts: 3824
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:30 pm
Location: Shropshire/Sussex/Cumbria
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Matt »

All good guys... but please can you PM me the details requested in the 1st post otherwise the info isn't much use :roll:
Serial Morris Minor Owner and Old Vehicle Nutter
www.facebook.com/transitionclassics
Vernon
Minor Fan
Posts: 112
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:00 pm
Location: Fleet, Hampshire
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Vernon »

In the second week of December 2012 I replaced the Brake Light Switch on my daughter's 1965 2-door Saloon.
In the third week of August 2013 my daughter was stopped by the police because her brake lights weren't working. They realised that she didn't know about the failure so they escorted her for the last 10 miles of her journey home.
She bought another switch from a different supplier which I fitted as soon as it arrived. I complained to the first supplier that the switch had failed after only 8 months and they said that they are aware that some people have had problems with brake light switches but unfortunately they can only find one source of lucar terminal brake light switches. They said that the switch that I had just fitted was probably exactly the same as the one I replaced, however anyone with a problem within 12 months can be supplied with a replacement under warranty.
It remains to be seen if the second switch is any better than the first. In the meantime I have requested a replacement under warranty so that I have a spare ready.
Colin Jones
Budgie
Minor Addict
Posts: 722
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:10 pm
Location: south wales
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Budgie »

I don't think we'll get very far with this thread as although I have had a few "duff / poor quality " parts over the last few years I don't keep the relevant data that's requested to full fill the research or am I just alone here? :-?
Matt
Minor Legend
Posts: 3824
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:30 pm
Location: Shropshire/Sussex/Cumbria
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Matt »

No you arnt alone (I dont keep invoices) but unless people tell me at least where they bought it the posts arnt any use!
Serial Morris Minor Owner and Old Vehicle Nutter
www.facebook.com/transitionclassics
jagnut66
Minor Legend
Posts: 3635
Joined: Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:28 pm
Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by jagnut66 »

I keep a full history file for my car, in case I need to argue a point or get a refund. Makes life allot easier. :D
Mind you I'm only human, so I have 'lost' the odd receipt...... :roll:
1954 Series 2: 4 door: "Sally" -- Back on the ground with (slave) wheels and waiting to be resprayed......
1970 Triumph Herald 1200: "Hetty" -- Driven back from Llangollen in Wales (twice.....)
User avatar
MColes
Minor Legend
Posts: 1508
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:23 pm
Location: Cardiff
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by MColes »

Brake cylinders... replaced all for pattern parts after two failed (I know, I know but I was a poor student at the time) had one pop 2 months ago so replaced for lockhead ones. While fitting these the threads stripped out of two of them when only doing them up FINGER TIGHT :o

2 weeks ago I replaced the timing chain. Less than 500 miles later the timing chain was sounding worse than the one I had taken off and upon inspection had about 3 times more play in it than the one I had taken off which has covered approx 20k miles. Spent my bank holiday Monday having to do the timing chain again!
Matt Coles
Young Members Registrar



Find out more about the Young Members Register HERE
User avatar
MColes
Minor Legend
Posts: 1508
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:23 pm
Location: Cardiff
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by MColes »

To add to that I have invoices and I've even kept the dodgy parts!

The supplier did say that they could potentially offer a refund is I sent the parts back. They would have to send them for inspection though apparently before a refund could be given and the cynic inside me says that any results from such an inspection would come out in their favour and put it down to "error during fitting".
Matt Coles
Young Members Registrar



Find out more about the Young Members Register HERE
Matt
Minor Legend
Posts: 3824
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:30 pm
Location: Shropshire/Sussex/Cumbria
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Matt »

Please PM me the details ;)
Serial Morris Minor Owner and Old Vehicle Nutter
www.facebook.com/transitionclassics
User avatar
MColes
Minor Legend
Posts: 1508
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:23 pm
Location: Cardiff
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by MColes »

I shall send the details this evening (possibly tomorrow evening) when I have the paperwork to hand :D
Matt Coles
Young Members Registrar



Find out more about the Young Members Register HERE
AndrewSkinner
Minor Fan
Posts: 349
Joined: Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:47 pm
Location: Ross On Wye
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by AndrewSkinner »

Rubber steering Gaiters - Failed completely to perished rings in 1 month
Rubber Dust covers on suspension - Failed and pinged off in 2 months
Coil Pack lasted ~600miles before frying
Windscreen wiper drive rubber seals perished and fell apart - 1 year
Rubber top hose on 948cc Cracked in 1 year
New UJ's on prop shaft were too large to fit circlips back on
Pattern brake cylinders leak and weep after 5months
Brake drums (smaller 1959) 2 out of 4 were oval from new
Short shaft water pump grumbled from new
Front windscreen rubber perished and large cracks after 1 1/2 years


Every single time was from the same supplier and always got the same story 'First time we ever had one of these back'
An age when roads were empty, machines were simple and every journey was an adventure!!
Matt
Minor Legend
Posts: 3824
Joined: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:30 pm
Location: Shropshire/Sussex/Cumbria
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Matt »

Keep it coming, and I am still waiting for a few PMs.

I have contacted one of the major suppliers, saying I am collecting this information and asking if the would consider looking in to offering better quality parts. The more information I have - the more likely it is that something will happen so anyone who has useful information please let me know!
Serial Morris Minor Owner and Old Vehicle Nutter
www.facebook.com/transitionclassics
Chipper
Minor Addict
Posts: 858
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:43 pm
Location: Kent
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Chipper »

Steering rack gaitors disintegrating after only a short time - the thin, floppy rubber seems to decompose!

Front grille surround panel; had to buy a new one from a specialist, which was made in Taiwan out of very thin 'bean tin' metal. I accidentally hit a dog slightly with it, and it buckled in and was very tricky to straighten out again.

Traveller rear bumper blades; purchased a few years ago, one has now almost rotted through!
Maurice, E. Kent
(1970 Traveller)
Pikey
Minor Fan
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue May 22, 2007 1:07 pm
Location: Nelson, Treharris, Mid Glamorgan
MMOC Member: No

Re: Poor Quality Parts - Please report your experience

Post by Pikey »

We bought some Brand New Chrome Dome headed bumper bolts for the rear bumper on our car, from one of the stall holders at the National Show.

Now a couple of months on and those Dome Bolts are now red rusty and I mean "red rusty". I put the old bolts in the bin, which I regret now.

Cheers

Steve

Locked