quietly fuming

[jac-in-a-box]

Apparently wheel bearings failing at less than 25k miles is deemed "acceptable" by Porsche GB, and to add further to my angst they're not covered by the extended warranty.

All started with the some "moaning and groaning" that appeared to change pitch according to what gear was selected, local OPC suggested it might be a transmission problem and arranged for for Porsche Assist to recover car to their workshops.

Fully serviced within the Porsche OPC network and religiously fork out for the warranty since the engine went pop, I thought I'd politely ask for some "goodwill" from Porsche. Soothing and reassuring voice tells me the request will be considered. 2 days later I'm informed wheel bearings go "round and round" and are subject to wear - really! They (PCGB) seem able to form an opinion that the bearing failed due to "wear and tear" and not to a manufacturing defect - impressive without any form of analysis.

Consequently there will be nothing forthcoming to replenish my wallet of the £390.00 for replacing the u/s bearing.

Perhaps I should have left the car with the OPC to change the remainder of the bearings, following the logic of CS at PCGB the remainder would appear to have a low life expectancy?

Really feel quite peed off with the whole experience and not inclined to let the matter lie. Seems pretty poor to me - worth another approach to PCGB, any contacts?

[andrew medway]

jac-in-a-box said:

Apparently wheel bearings failing at less than 25k miles is deemed "acceptable" by Porsche GB, and to add further to my angst they're not covered by the extended warranty. All started with the some "moaning and groaning" that appeared to change pitch according to what gear was selected, local OPC suggested it might be a transmission problem and arranged for for Porsche Assist to recover car to their workshops. Fully serviced within the Porsche OPC network and religiously fork out for the warranty since the engine went pop, I thought I'd politely ask for some "goodwill" from Porsche. Soothing and reassuring voice tells me the request will be considered. 2 days later I'm informed wheel bearings go "round and round" and are subject to wear - really! They (PCGB) seem able to form an opinion that the bearing failed due to "wear and tear" and not to a manufacturing defect - impressive without any form of analysis. Consequently there will be nothing forthcoming to replenish my wallet of the £390.00 for replacing the u/s bearing. Perhaps I should have left the car with the OPC to change the remainder of the bearings, following the logic of CS at PCGB the remainder would appear to have a low life expectancy? Really feel quite peed off with the whole experience and not inclined to let the matter lie. Seems pretty poor to me - worth another approach to PCGB, any contacts?

Call sue gyngell 0118 9191744 at Porsche HQ.

Ask her what an acceptable life span of a wheel bearing is. If they are funny, ask them to put it in writing (as if the OPC say it is an acceptable wear and tear item they must have a milage and age where it goes from covered to not covered) and proceed on that. If they have a guide that says 20k miles, I am sure the press will be interested. I would imagine it is more likely you have met the typical stone wall that you will have to break down and that it is covered - but someone is hoping to not have to do the paperwork.

Don't accept it - it sounds unfair as you have paid for the warranty.