Saleen watt linkage problem
09-06-2009, 05:41 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: California
Posts: 33
Saleen watt linkage problem
I installed my Saleen watt linkage last summer. After about 1500miles (I don't drive that much...) at an AX meeting, one of the Watt control arms broke right off at the weld. After inspecting the other control arm I found that one cracked at the weld as well. Everything is installed according to the instructions and I also checked the geometry on rear suspension, cycle the total travel (springs removed) and found no bind in the watt linkage.
Is it anyone out there that had this problem?
According to Saleen this has not happen before...
Is it anyone out there that had this problem?
According to Saleen this has not happen before...
09-06-2009, 08:25 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: California
Posts: 33
Tried that but the new owners of Saleen is not that interested to honor "old" warranties... But JDM that I purchased the linkage from helped me with a new set of arms. But I am still a little worried about the new ones how they will hold up.
09-06-2009, 08:52 PM
#4
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 329
If you go to www.teamshelby.com there was a guy there on the GT500 forum who also had one of the control arms on a Saleen Watts Link break at the weld like yours did. I think he said that he contacted JDM Engineering in New Jersey, and they got him a new arm from Saleen.
Blair
Blair
09-07-2009, 12:00 AM
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location:
Posts: 353
i saw something in a mustang trader magazine that was an interview with steve saleen, and he said in the interview that SMS would be accepting saleen's warrenties just like they were an SMS warranty.
dont know for sure how that will work out, but its worth looking into.
dont know for sure how that will work out, but its worth looking into.
09-07-2009, 08:09 AM
#7
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Florida
Posts: 329
09-07-2009, 09:35 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 18
I would try to find out if there is an engineering problem with the way the arms are welded or maybe there was just a bunch of bad welds. A good welding shop that does structural welding in your area should be able to suggest a fix, even on new arms. You dont want that to happen again.
09-07-2009, 09:44 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: California
Posts: 33
Thank You Blair!
That was interesting reading, and Saleen told me they have not had any other control arms breaking.....hmmm.. I would suggest any other using the Saleen Watt linkage to check for cracks in the bushing tubes next to the weld! JDM is sending me a new set but I think I will make a new set myself with thicker material in the bushing tubes and TIG weld it for a more flexible weld.
That was interesting reading, and Saleen told me they have not had any other control arms breaking.....hmmm.. I would suggest any other using the Saleen Watt linkage to check for cracks in the bushing tubes next to the weld! JDM is sending me a new set but I think I will make a new set myself with thicker material in the bushing tubes and TIG weld it for a more flexible weld.
09-08-2009, 05:42 PM
#10
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Detroit Area
Posts: 894
I was not happy with the reputation of the Gen I watts link from Saleen. I switched mine out to the Techco piece.
It seems like a higher quality part according to my roadracing shop installer. Now Techcos out of business, so I have no idea if it's possible to get any more parts if anything happens. Erik
It seems like a higher quality part according to my roadracing shop installer. Now Techcos out of business, so I have no idea if it's possible to get any more parts if anything happens. Erik