Todays Quality Rant!
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Todays Quality Rant!
I dont get it.Who does quality control anymore?Larry,Moe and Curley?I have had to rebuild about a half dozen front axle assemblies in certain none Ford type trucks in the last few months,all with the same problem.Carrier Bearings!Thats right Carrier bearings.The same type bearings that have been around for ever, are prematurely failing on these trucks.Or how about the recalls another manufacturer is doing for ball joints!Ball joints have been around for ever also,so who is the moron responsible for making these parts?Dont get me wrong.I am not dissing the competition,I mean Ford has theirs too.It just bugs the heck out of me that parts that worked fine for years and years get changed around and then start failing prematurely.I could go on,like how a luxury car company could use a plastic fuel rail,thats right plastic!Oops,guess we will have to change it over to steel.Duh!Ok,Im done ranting,I think I will go check my ignition switch and see if it is MELTING! 
Guest
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,988
Likes: 55
From: north west new jersey
how about not made in the usa for the bearings. lets not get into the ball joint issue to deep as vw is also on the passat.. i have reached a point with engine temp sensers, ball joints, stop lamp switches. heater cores that take a good man 2 days to do and a lot more. q control and a great product where is it. the rest of the way i feel i would get banished for.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Cost savings and EPA mileage claims.
Lighter parts save gas, every tiny bit helps. But some lighter parts are too whimpy to do their job.
Also wouldn't be surprised some parts are made by countries not known for quality. I have a travel trailer that is made in the USA, but key components of the suspension are made in China. My experience with Chinese made mechanical parts has been abysmal. I won't buy Chinese made parts or tools if they require any machining or strength. So far they just haven't got there. But I can't imagine any US automaker using critical parts made there, but I could be wrong.
Just my opinion,
Jim Henderson
Lighter parts save gas, every tiny bit helps. But some lighter parts are too whimpy to do their job.
Also wouldn't be surprised some parts are made by countries not known for quality. I have a travel trailer that is made in the USA, but key components of the suspension are made in China. My experience with Chinese made mechanical parts has been abysmal. I won't buy Chinese made parts or tools if they require any machining or strength. So far they just haven't got there. But I can't imagine any US automaker using critical parts made there, but I could be wrong.
Just my opinion,
Jim Henderson
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,776
Likes: 862
From: Foothills of NC
But I can't imagine any US automaker using critical parts made there, but I could be wrong.
INGERSOLL, Ontario — About every two minutes, the assembly line stops at the spot where another 2005-model Chevrolet Equinox gets its engine. Equinox’s 3.4-liter, V-6 is manufactured in Shanghai, China. The engine travels 8,000 miles by freighter across the Pacific Ocean and 3,000 miles by train and truck through Canada to reach the plant west of Toronto.
The Equinox is the ultimate example of global sourcing — a sport utility vehicle conceived and designed in the United States, engineered and built in Canada, powered by a Chinese engine, and loaded with parts from Japan, Mexico and the Philippines.
Maybe the engine is not quite as critical a part in the Chevy.
INGERSOLL, Ontario — About every two minutes, the assembly line stops at the spot where another 2005-model Chevrolet Equinox gets its engine. Equinox’s 3.4-liter, V-6 is manufactured in Shanghai, China. The engine travels 8,000 miles by freighter across the Pacific Ocean and 3,000 miles by train and truck through Canada to reach the plant west of Toronto.
The Equinox is the ultimate example of global sourcing — a sport utility vehicle conceived and designed in the United States, engineered and built in Canada, powered by a Chinese engine, and loaded with parts from Japan, Mexico and the Philippines.
Maybe the engine is not quite as critical a part in the Chevy.
Last edited by yardbird; Feb 17, 2005 at 10:07 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
While we mull over that-
three of GM and Fords metal casting suppliers are in chapter 11 to escape unprofitable LT contracts.
three of GM and Fords metal casting suppliers are in chapter 11 to escape unprofitable LT contracts.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: South...
Originally Posted by yardbird
[B]... Maybe the engine is not quite as critical a part in the Chevy.
In all fairness, GM stood behind it and started installing revised pistons & rings during the manufacturing process , starting in mid April 01, and replaced the faulty/suspect components under warranty for those vehicles assembled prior to mid april 01, (if the owner squawked loud enough).
ALL American auto/truck manufacturers are suffering from quality issues...of course, they always have...and most likely always will. The imports have their own quality problems as well, maybe not to the same extent.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by 78Explorer
In all seriousness...I almost bought an 01 Z06 vette, until I found out it had an oil consumption issue (500-800 miles/quart of oil). I can't imagine paying $48k+ for a new Vette only to find out it has an appetite for oil.
In all fairness, GM stood behind it and started installing revised pistons & rings during the manufacturing process , starting in mid April 01, and replaced the faulty/suspect components under warranty for those vehicles assembled prior to mid april 01, (if the owner squawked loud enough).
ALL American auto/truck manufacturers are suffering from quality issues...of course, they always have...and most likely always will. The imports have their own quality problems as well, maybe not to the same extent.
In all fairness, GM stood behind it and started installing revised pistons & rings during the manufacturing process , starting in mid April 01, and replaced the faulty/suspect components under warranty for those vehicles assembled prior to mid april 01, (if the owner squawked loud enough).
ALL American auto/truck manufacturers are suffering from quality issues...of course, they always have...and most likely always will. The imports have their own quality problems as well, maybe not to the same extent.
Last month we took in a late-model S-Class Mercedes with a noisy valve train. Top end was rebuilt under warranty- but also a common failure. Another $80K car with issues. All the while, we've replaced 1...count 'em 1...Corvette engine in the last 5 years (we sell 50-60/yr). and yes, it was a Z06 with oil consumption issues. GM opted to replace the engine instead of instigate repairs for cust satisfaction reasons.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: South...
I guess my standards are just too high...I wouldn't want mine to be the "ONE (count 'em 1) Corvette engine" that had to be replaced.
We're all at the mercy of the auto/truck manufacturers...unless you don't own/buy cars and trucks.
We're all at the mercy of the auto/truck manufacturers...unless you don't own/buy cars and trucks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by 78Explorer
I guess my standards are just too high...I wouldn't want mine to be the "ONE (count 'em 1) Corvette engine" that had to be replaced.
That 'Vette owner was thrilled, BTW.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 1
From: House Springs, MO
That's why I'm leaning more and more on just keeping my Ranger that I have right now, and re-building my own early-90's F350. Sure, it may be the same crap parts that go in it, but at least I'll know how well they were put on, and the fastest possible way to fix it if it DOES break. No dang way I'm gonna want to pay $35-45k for a truck that's not built to last the long haul. Heck, even the Ranger (02, 42k miles) is already showing signs of wear and gremlins. Glad I got the 100k warranty...
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: South...
Originally Posted by polarbear
How so? Instead of pistons/rings/valve seals GM opted to put a new crate motor in the car for the customer. As long as cars are designed and built by humans instead of deities, there's going to be some sort of failure rate. It's not the problems, but how they're addressed that determines customer satisfaction.
That 'Vette owner was thrilled, BTW.
That 'Vette owner was thrilled, BTW.
It almost sounds like you belive the customer should be eternally grateful for the "new crate motor". Didn't the customer pay for a "new crate motor" when he bought the vehicle to begin with?
I guess the bottom line for me is this...
I'd like to be that customer who buys a new vehicle and never has to return to the dealership for warranty repairs of ANY kind....I've heard those experiences do occur, they've just never occurred with me. Of course, the only NEW vehicles I've ever bought have been Fords...maybe it's time to try Subaru or Toyota or Honda, etc.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Cars were made much better years ago. They could build a car that would never fail, but then they make no money. The auto industry is EXTREMELY competitive, they're doing EVERYTHING to keep prices down.
It is extremely difficult to turn over a solid profit in the auto industry.
If you would like you pay twice as much for your truck, than we wouldn't have outsourcing and practices like it that reduce costs.
Believe it or not, world trade is better for everyone as a whole. It may not be the best for certain people at certain times....but world trade is better for the economy as a hole, macroeconomics 101.
It is extremely difficult to turn over a solid profit in the auto industry.
If you would like you pay twice as much for your truck, than we wouldn't have outsourcing and practices like it that reduce costs.
Believe it or not, world trade is better for everyone as a whole. It may not be the best for certain people at certain times....but world trade is better for the economy as a hole, macroeconomics 101.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: southern Md
Originally Posted by MustangGT221
Cars were made much better years ago. They could build a car that would never fail, but then they make no money. The auto industry is EXTREMELY competitive, they're doing EVERYTHING to keep prices down.
It is extremely difficult to turn over a solid profit in the auto industry.
If you would like you pay twice as much for your truck, than we wouldn't have outsourcing and practices like it that reduce costs.
Believe it or not, world trade is better for everyone as a whole. It may not be the best for certain people at certain times....but world trade is better for the economy as a hole, macroeconomics 101.
It is extremely difficult to turn over a solid profit in the auto industry.
If you would like you pay twice as much for your truck, than we wouldn't have outsourcing and practices like it that reduce costs.
Believe it or not, world trade is better for everyone as a whole. It may not be the best for certain people at certain times....but world trade is better for the economy as a hole, macroeconomics 101.
Hard to turn a profit? I find that difficult to believe Start cutting the fat at the top and pay the ones that actually do the work better that would be a huge start. I bet in all reality a bunch could be saved in admin costs.
What makes you think people wont pay for a superior product? Proof is already out there they pay way too much for todays inferior products!!
Why do ya suppose the earlier cars were better made.... more hand built? Local material?..... no overgrown administration with secretaries that have secrataries?..... I think hands on building and pride with a bit less greed was the key, of course that is just My opinion I may indeed have blinders on.
Glenn
