A cautionary tale...aftermarket suspension and the LVVTA

Started by le mans, March 23, 2014, 11:19:10 AM

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McDoof

Interestingly enough the LVVTA document specifies that they have concerns with "cast or forged" components being welded. I can understand that as heating such components incorrectly could result in failure of the structure. However, the KW strut assembly appears to be neither cast nor forged.
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le mans

One of the concerns relayed to me about the KW set up was the welded eye where the tie rod attaches to. As you can see in the side-by-side photos below the eye on the OE arm is inside an enclosure whereas the KW eye is not. I would be interested in any comments from people with knowledge/expertise in this area.

Quote from: le mans on May 07, 2014, 10:45:53 AM
OE and KW front struts were taken to the LVVTA TAC (Technical Advisory Committee) meeting last night. I don't know what their thoughts are yet. Here some side by side shots I took today:
















brian

The original is belt and braces, the after market is belt only
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le mans

Quote from: brian on January 11, 2018, 11:14:50 AM
The original is belt and braces, the after market is belt only
Yep, and obviously having a system with less redundancy than OE is not seen as ideal.

Period_Correct_

hmm seems like the OE strut design welded on items are more rigid in cross section...

but that's just my first glance and what do I know... :)
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le mans

KW had a specialist independently test an OE steering arm and KW steering arm (static only) and the KW arm deflected less than the OE arm out to around 19kN of force (about 1900KG in layman's terms).

brian

Quote from: le mans on January 11, 2018, 03:17:40 PM
KW had a specialist independently test an OE steering arm and KW steering arm (static only) and the KW arm deflected less than the OE arm out to around 19kN of force (about 1900KG in layman's terms).

Deflection is one thing, if stressed to breaking point is another.
A bent arm is better than a broken one and the original is far more likely to distort rather than break. The whole design of it is to allow for that to happen.
Just my 10 cents worth.
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le mans

Neither arm failed when tested, only 'bent'. Not sure what the general standard is for such components.

Period_Correct_

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le mans

Test rig hooked up to the eye in the steering arm. I have the report but reluctant to put it online.

Horch

Why is it that I can purchase a tow bar manufactured in Europe with a TUV certificate of compliance comfortably fit it and meet the current warrant of fitness requirements (when attached to a trailer). I can even have one locally manufactured and bench tested to pull 2500kg if I wish. (Don?t start me on the 50mm/1?7/8 towball debacle.)

Would appear the authority are reluctant to act on there very own policy and process here. They will recognise TUV cert when it suits (performance brake hoses for example) provided it does not expose the ministry at any potential legal risk.

March 2014 it was stated perfectly.....

It seems that this ideological position of the LVVTA is holding them back. I have some sympathy as they assume some legal responsibility when they certify a 'modification' as safe, but the general lack of consideration for foreign certification is a bit over the top in my opinion, especially when you are dealing with an agency in the some country as where the car is manufactured. KW of course conforms to ISO quality standards too.


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80 Vert

I fail to see any problem with those KW struts, the lug welded to the side is only for the sway bar drop link.
The steering arm attachment is even x braced inside............I would argue the KW to be a stronger over all unit.
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le mans

Been a few years since this little saga occurred. I note that Ken Block is quite happy to put this suspension kit (the URQ version) on his 16 year old daughter?s car (https://youtu.be/l--z2kDPs9U). Brian Scotto also had it fitted to his very own RS2. Given the budget and resources these guys have, they could have had any custom suspension kit made from them but chose to use KW. So no, I?m still not over it, ha!

89 Coupe

I think those guys are sponsored by KW no? Regardless I'm sure its top notch stuff and I do want to run them in my 80 Avant at some point in time!
I'm angry too  >:(
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