CSR suspension failure

[gareth h]

This is quite well known on Blatchat, but thought I’d post here in case there were any owners not registered there.
I had a failure of a rear bottom suspension mount on the Fish and Chip run on Saturday, there have been several other cars that have suffered in the same way, an upgraded mount is available from Team Leo’s, I almost pulled the trigger on installing them at the end of last year, wish I had now!

[gareth h]

BertBert said:

Just curious as I don't have a CSR, but what was connected to what that failed? Where the damper attaches? The lower wishbone to the hub?

Bert, This is the point of failure, a lot more info here : https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/forum/techtalk/bro...

[gareth h]

BertBert said:

thanks for the link. It confused me for a while (easily done) as I thought that was your orange CSR, but was 3 years ago! Nasty failure though and wise for people to proactively check.

That is my orange CSR, the failure was last Saturday, the link was for background info on the failures.

[gareth h]

BertBert said:

ah yes, but the first car in the link is an orange CSR too. That's what confused me!

They’re common as muck

[gareth h]

the av8er said:

i see your a biker. do you visit poole quay on tuesdays ?

Used to when I lived in Wilts, I’m in West Wales now so it’s a bit of a schlep!

[gareth h]

mickrick said:

That's a safety issue, and justifies a recall.

It’s been reported to the DVSA

[gareth h]

BertBert said:

Caterham finally taking it seriously?

https://caterhamcars.com/en/news/calling-all-csr-o...

Yes, I was requested to send my broken clevis back to them for inspection.

[gareth h]

number2 said:

Super Naswan said:

Caterham taking it seriously now is a bit late for me !!

Sorry to see that. You're alive, but did you get out unscathed?

It being a parts failure will be no consolation to having an insurance claim, any injury and inconvenience.

I feel very fortunate that I didn’t finish up in a similar situation, if it had happened 10 minutes earlier …….

[gareth h]

Er, I’ve had 3 caterhams, 5 Loti and 2 Aero 8s, all with their own faults, no rose tinted glasses here!
And the Porsches haven’t been perfect either!

[gareth h]

Sir, I refer you to my earlier answer 😀

[gareth h]

Helluvaname said:

Super Naswan and Gareth h, have you both reported this to the DVSA?

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-recalls-and-faults/repo...

The reason I ask is that, as with dedion tube failures, I suspect CC have told DVSA that only a very small number of cars are affected, and therefore convinced them there is no need for a recall.
Consequently they can "redesign" a part that they claim isn't is an issue and sell them to owners to fit themselves.

It really shouldn't need a fatality to get them to take responsibility for this design fault.

Imagine if one of you had been on an alpine pass and that happened, it would be more than a 10 foot drop!

PLEASE, anyone who has had this failure, report it to the DVSA immediately.

Yep, DVSA have referred it back to CC who I believe are changing the component for a redesigned item under warranty (on newer cars)