MOT Failure - Ball Joints

[Gooner]

Evening all

My cars just been in for its MOT and it’s failed due to both ball joints being worn.

The car has done only 10k miles, never been tracked and isn’t driven hard as I’m too concerned that my driving skill doesn’t match the ability of the car

The technician that did the MOT was so surprised about the amount of play in them given the condition and mileage of the car, that he call Lotus to check if this was a known issue / there had been a recall…..

What makes this even more concerning is that the car had its 3rd service at the end of January and this wasn’t picked up as an issue and it’s done less than 300 miles since then. Is this not something that should have been picked up at the time?

Has anyone had a similar issue with ball joints wearing out well before their standard useable life?

Thanks

UPDATE:

Car has been with Bell & Colvill this morning there was a fair bit of interest as it's the first time they have seen this issue on an Emira.

It was explained to me that the reason it wasn't picked up during the 3rd service was because it was put on a 4 post ramp. Whilst the weight of the car is on the joints, you can't see any movement. However upon placing it on their 2 post ramp, the issue is clear to see. Graham, the Aftersales Manager indicated that, in light of this issue, they would now be looking to get all Emira's up on the 2 post ramp during services to check for this problem. There was also tech from Lotus HQ there who said he had see this issue one another Emira previously.

They agreed that the issue would most definitely have been present at the last service and within the warranty period (which ran out 23 days ago!) and would take the issue up with Lotus on my behalf to see if it can be repaired under warranty of via a good will gesture. Fingers crossed it can be sorted at no cost.

So far, I'm impressed with how B&C are handling the situation and a shoutout to Graham for how he's approaching.

UPDATE 2:

Just heard back from Graham and he’s confirmed that Lotus have accepted the claim, so it will be repaired under warranty. Clearly a great outcome because it’s not going to be cheap! Just waiting on the parts to come in which will hopefully be sometime this week. Top service from B&C

 

[Nelumbo nucifera]

I just wonder whether those who are having ball joints replaced, which I understand involves the complete replacement of the suspension wishbone, are able to retain the removed item. If so, it would be beneficial to make those removed parts available to others who have an engineering back ground.
Having a sample on hand would make an alternative solution e.g. replacement better quality press fit ball joints, easier to source.

 

[Colin P]

From experience the removed parts are required to be destroyed or sent to Lotus. This is standard practice.
I can't imagine that you could retain the part unless you are paying for the replacement or had a very helpful dealer who is happy to risk the wrath of the manufacturer.

 

[Nelumbo nucifera]

From experience the removed parts are required to be destroyed or sent to Lotus. This is standard practice.
I can't imagine that you could retain the part unless you are paying for the replacement or had a very helpful dealer who is happy to risk the wrath of the manufacturer.

What have Lotus got to hide, when according to them, it is usual wear and tear? Yeah - nah.
The dealer could do all parties a favour, including Lotus, by simply placing the wishbone in a press and pushing out the offending ball joint/s measuring dimensions and, even under possible duress, dump it in the rubbish bin.
Of course an independent workshop, if they are clever, would latch on to the idea of an exchange system, whereby all they need do is replace the ball joints with high race quality units. This forum would be their launch platform for customers out of warranty, assuming the countless small claims and court cases Lotus will no doubt face are ineffectual.

 

[Mistral]

My car is going in for ball joint replacement under warranty next month, five months after the problem was diagnosed and I'm not allowed to keep the old units.

 

[6spd_Emira]

I have an extra lower front control arm that I had to replace because my ball joint was damaged after I ran over a very large rock/ or very small bolder. I would be willing to ship it to someone to work on the ball joint replacement. Let me know if anyone is interested.

 

[FroggyEclat]

And Whiy is the lower Right Hand side so much more expensive ????

 

[Nelumbo nucifera]

I have an extra lower front control arm that I had to replace because my ball joint was damaged after I ran over a very large rock/ or very small bolder. I would be willing to ship it to someone to work on the ball joint replacement. Let me know if anyone is interested.

I am more than keen to work on finding and documenting a solution that is practical and cost effective. I have an acquaintance who is a well respected engineer, who also would be keen to help sort the solution.
Only thing is, we are in Australia. To that end, I’d be happy to bear the additional freight cost to get it here.

 

[6spd_Emira]

I am more than keen to work on finding and documenting a solution that is practical and cost effective. I have an acquaintance who is a well respected engineer, who also would be keen to help sort the solution.
Only thing is, we are in Australia. To that end, I’d be happy to bear the additional freight cost to get it here.

send me the address and I will get a quote to see how much it would be to ship