Warranty issue
 

Here's the short story:

My 2014 FRS is still under bumper to bumper warranty, but the dealer doesn't even want to fix the shot ball joint (front right lower) under the warranty, since I have "major suspension mods" as the service advisor stated- RCE yellow lowering springs, on stock struts, whiteline lower control arm bushings, and whiteline sway bar endlinks, and adjustable camber plates from Raceseng...

In your opinion, would these mods contribute to premature failure of a front lower right ball joint (approximately 32K miles)?

Have you had experience of a dealer not covering, under warranty a repair due to "major modifications" of your car? Or even not wanting to do any repair work to the car (the dealer wouldn't provide an estimate because my car is "extremely modified")

Thanks for any feedback.

In my incredibly uninformed opinion, that's going be a tough one. The law says that it's encumbent upon the dealership to show that the aftermarket parts are responsible for the failure of a warranted part. HOW they do that, other than arguing with you, is the question. In your favor, you do not have to prove that your parts did not cause the issue. However, if they are denying your coverage, it's back in your ball park to decide if it's worth escalating the issue, small claims court, lawyers, blah blah blah. If you're SURE that the ball joint failure had nothing to do w/ your mods (and, to be honest, I can see how a stiffer, lowered suspension COULD affect ball joint longevity), you could ask to speak w/ someone higher up the food chain, plead your case, cite the Magnusson-Moss act, and see what happens.

I wouldn't bet anything substantial on an outcome that you'd like, but it's worth a shot.

Barry

Yup you changed suspension geometry they are in the right. Remember they have to prove to Toyota why it failed or Toyota will not pay them for the job and they are out of pocket. They just don't want to take the risk, maybe another dealer in your area will.

You modified the suspension and a suspension part failed. You won't win, and rightfully so. You can find a dealer that will lie to Toyota on your behalf, but not likely, and wouldn't be right. You did mod the car, so be honest and don't expect them to pay for your playing. If you modify a car under warranty you throw it away. Now if your wiper motor went out, and they won't cover it because you modified the suspension, well now you have a case.

Let's all try to be honest here. I've heard of guys putting things back to stock to collect on warranty, but I hope no one here would be that dishonest. Be responsible for your actions.

Recently I went to the dealership because of my axle nut is loosing, therefore, i have a coilover and LCA, I told them and explain that loosing axle nut is like the fuel injection problem, it is toyota manufacture problem,not my problem, but they ended up covered me with my warranty and replace the whole new rear axle for me. I request for a mechanic instead of the adviser since my adviser know nothing about car.

Your best bet is find another dealership, and try to prove your aftermarket part isnt directly damage your other parts.

Guess I never answered your question. Yes, everything you mentioned would put way more stress on the ball joint then stock. I bet you have it cambered out too with the plates you mention. Yes, this could absolutely cause more wear on the ball joints.

you could always go back to stock, different dealership and have them take care of it then no?

They usually make notes in a shared system I thought

depends on the dealership I would think, ive had some notes about my aftermarket parts not be included when I had to do service on it.

Update
 

Decided to order some aftermarket ball joints...

Thanks everyone for your input, it was helpful.

Yes and no. Not all dealers are connected. Dealers that are run and operated by the same "parent" company (Auto Groups) most likely are. I would do a little bit of online research to see which dealers are owned by which auto group just to start.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Although I hardly doubt your suspension upgrades/mods killed your balljoints, there's enough parts there that you put on that will roadblock any warranty claim. And from a business point of view (assuming you owned Toyota), would you cover that part yourself? Because someone has to pay that mechanic the 2-3 hours of work and the price of the part... an easy $200-$300 at cost. :\

Update: $625 later, the frs is finally back to normal, Redline 360 online vendor for Buddy Club control arms (Alex), Auto RND Fremont (Rishie) for alignment, issue was front lower control arm front mounting point out of round with Whiteline bushings installed, probably from potholes, highly recommend these two vendors, as they say you gotta pay to play!

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk