210 spring perches - preemptive welding?

[lupin..the..3rd]

:MODERATOR EDIT ADDING DATA LINK:
W210 DANGEROUS FLAW please read (crosslinked in post #1 to all on topic data)
W210 DANGEROUS FLAW please read (crosslinked in post #1 to all on topic data)
:MODERATOR EDIT ADDING DATA LINK:


Has anyone had their existing spring perches welded on more securely as a preventative measure? I'm guessing this procedure would cost less than having to fix it "after the fact".

[TMAllison]

I suspect it would have to be spot welds such as the factory used as the metal is thin.

The retrofit is done using rivits.

Search NHDOC's posts, I think he posted the repair document a few months ago.

[nhdoc]

I'd sooner do the pre-emptive riveting than any more welding on these...they are thin metal...

[lupin..the..3rd]

I'm guessing a dealer would be most familiar with this riveting procedure vs. a body shop, no? If I want the local dealer to do it, is there a service bulletin number I can reference? I'm afraid I'll walk in there and ask for the "210 spring perch riveting job" and get a deer-in-the-headlights blank stare from the service guy.

[nhdoc]

Originally Posted by lupin..the..3rd

I'm guessing a dealer would be most familiar with this riveting procedure vs. a body shop, no? If I want the local dealer to do it, is there a service bulletin number I can reference? I'm afraid I'll walk in there and ask for the "210 spring perch riveting job" and get a deer-in-the-headlights blank stare from the service guy.

In the WIS it is AR62.10-P-0006E The date on my version in 9/03. If you want a copy of it PM me and I can send you a pdf.

The more I research the spring perch issue though the less I fear it. Failure of the perch, even at highway speed, will not result in loss of control of the car. Much like suffering a blowout or a spring failure, the car will be harder to control as the corner will drop substantially but there is no reason to fear that the wheel will "come off" or the car becomes uncontrollable. Also, I have never seen a post or NHTSA report showing the failure occurring at highway speed...all have been during slow speed handling, like during parking. So, for me, it is a managable risk. My take on it is I will keep an eye on the perches looking for signs of rust or failure of the coating and I also bring the car to the dealer annually for my state safety inspection where I ask them to look them over too, and as long as they look OK after both of us examine them I will do nothing.

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by nhdoc

In the WIS it is AR62.10-P-0006E The date on my version in 9/03. If you want a copy of it PM me and I can send you a pdf.

The more I research the spring perch issue though the less I fear it. Failure of the perch, even at highway speed, will not result in loss of control of the car. Much like suffering a blowout or a spring failure, the car will be harder to control as the corner will drop substantially but there is no reason to fear that the wheel will "come off" or the car becomes uncontrollable. Also, I have never seen a post or NHTSA report showing the failure occurring at highway speed...all have been during slow speed handling, like during parking. So, for me, it is a managable risk. My take on it is I will keep an eye on the perches looking for signs of rust or failure of the coating and I also bring the car to the dealer annually for my state safety inspection where I ask them to look them over too, and as long as they look OK after both of us examine them I will do nothing.

Good advice,,, I wouldn't go drilling or welding if it didn't positively need it.