Warning - Quadrant suspension fail **Now resolved**

[swingtan]

Am i missing something? Why dont they just provide new ones to you and not refurb existing ones? I must be missing what they do.

I think they may actually do that, and keep the failed unit in house. It's probably worth a lot more for them to use as a training example for current and future employees. Although the original strut was supplied as a new OEM unit, so would be in a known good condition vs. a second hand unit.

[C4B]

The thing that concerns me the most about this is the fact that there was clearly no protocol in place to validate the work done. We're not talking about a weld that visually looked ok but lacked the proper penetration to give it strength.

From the response the business in question seems to be making all the right noises. Lets just hope they walk the walk.

[mechatron]

I tried to use sydney suspension. Didn't answer emails. Called them and the rep was rude, had no time for me. Fine, took my peso's elsewhere.
Had heard good things about Quadrant, their website was promising, and the rep polite and helpful.

That's a real shame. I used them and they did an awesome job upgrading & installing my suspension (Bilstein B8s, King springs, bushes, Whiteline sway bars etc). I even went to Sydney Suspension about 5-6 times before upgrading my suspension and they were always willing to help since I really wanted to make sure that I got the height and ride quality that I was after the first time around.

I've been to plenty of workshops (mechanics, tuners, car audio experts) in the past that have been terrible to deal with over the phone, however once you visit them in person and show that you're serious they usually have all the time in the world for you...,like they're a totally different person...but some people are just really shit at talking on the phone

[smash69]

That's a real shame. I used them and they did an awesome job upgrading & installing my suspension (Bilstein B8s, King springs, bushes, Whiteline sway bars etc). I even went to Sydney Suspension about 5-6 times before upgrading my suspension and they were always willing to help. I wanted to make sure that I got the height and ride quality that I was after the first time around.

I've been to plenty of workshops (mechanics, tuners, car audio experts) in the past that have been terrible to deal with over the phone, however once you visit them in person and show that you're serious they usually have all the time in the world for you.

I understand what you are saying.
Believe me, I would have preferred to use a workshop closer to home, however being on the central coast, even sydney is nearly an hour each way. I don't mind traveling for quality work, but they gave a terrible first impression.

[Wonky]

I've had limited dealings with Quadrant as I got my H&R coilovers from there and have emailed them a couple of times with questions. In my experience they seem very professional (always respond to emails quickly for example) and I would think the manager I've generally dealt with would be genuinely horrified that they went out like that and they will do their best to rectify the situation.

[IJ.]

The thing that concerns me the most about this is the fact that there was clearly no protocol in place to validate the work done. We're not talking about a weld that visually looked ok but lacked the proper penetration to give it strength.

From the response the business in question seems to be making all the right noises. Lets just hope they walk the walk.

Going by the posted pics the tubes weren't prepped properly, they're close to 6mm wall and should have had at least a 3mm chamfer on each part before welding, looks like about 30 amps maybe and very little to no gas....

A critical part like this "should" have been welded by a professional and would never have been done the way it has been, one of the earlier posts goes off on a tangent saying how good Quadrant are and what a great job they received, NOT in this case.

[D_BLOCK]

They have asked that I box the struts for shipping, and they will have them collected from my home, returned to them for refurbishment, and returned to me at their cost.


Am i missing something? Why dont they just provide new ones to you and not refurb existing ones? I must be missing what they do.

Great result, at least your not fighting it! Cudos to them....

They want to see the product 1st, standard practice.

[Woodchukka]

Going by the posted pics the tubes weren't prepped properly, they're close to 6mm wall and should have had at least a 3mm chamfer on each part before welding, looks like about 30 amps maybe and very little to no gas....

A critical part like this "should" have been welded by a professional and would never have been done the way it has been, one of the earlier posts goes off on a tangent saying how good Quadrant are and what a great job they received, NOT in this case.

30A if you are lucky. I reckon a better result would have been to wrap the wire around the strut and paint it. Quality control is the big concern. More so than the poor weld. Good to hear they are positive about making the job right. Fixing mistakes with a professional approach separates a good business from a great one.

[Micks]

Haven't read the entire thread, though whoever welded the socket to the tower had absolutely no penetration!
Maybe ok for exhaust work? Thinking a change in profession for that operator would be the go.

[bozodos]

bit of a pity to see this - paranoia over having to cut and shut the struts was the reason I was iffy about getting the Quadrant Bilstein combo for mine. I still got it though, and so far so good.

Unfortunately there is almost no variety for quality suspension setups for pre-VE.

[planetdavo]

A good result there and shows a professional establishment. Shit happens in every business and you would be pretty ignorant to think your chosen workshop etc, is perfect (NONE ARE). Its handling issues like this that show true professionalism. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt.

Yep, and EXACTLY the reason bloodlusting "name and shame" mentality shouldn't be supported.

[SSer]

The response from the workshop is actually very good. It's what used to be called customer service. Unfortunately nowadays customer service usually means attempting to blame you first, refuse to accept any responsibility and then abuse you afterwards. They stuffed up, they apologised seemingly genuinely and are trying to move forward. Perfect.

Won't comment on the original weld as I am not a welder, but chances are like he said that person is no longer under their employ.

[XUV]

Haven't read the entire thread, though whoever welded the socket to the tower had absolutely no penetration!

Said welder should've heeded his/her girlfriend's advice

[Micks]

Said welder should've heeded his/her girlfriend's advice

Yep no peno not a good fooker!!

[smash69]

Update -
Well, the struts are on the way back to Quadrant as of yesterday.
I must say, the rep I'm dealing with has been in constant contact with me throughout this process. I'm getting updates on freight, and absolutely everything has been organized by them.
So far they really are trying to make this right and I can't fault the service