Transaxle Fix?

[ViperJoe]

There is no real choice but to accept and move on but I will stand by the statement that it is not logical. If the bad goup is that small, the odds of them being so spread out are statistically impossible. Also the odds of getting 2 bad bolts in the same flange in the same car are pretty high. If the group of bad bolts were large we would have more failures. Without Ford examining the failed cars in detail it is tough to say what all the contributing factors were. I am not saying this to be a pita, we'll see what the future brings.

Derry

+1 ..... I too am less than convinced but hope for the best.

 

[Kingman]

I was delaying the following post until I had time to get photos and post in the main half shaft thread, but thought it might be informative here (if not somewhat premature) Please excuse me if not appropraite to this thread.

I had the GT Guys do the Accufab kit for me last week. My car is my2006, #1602, built after March of 06. As those present will attest, BOTH of the driver side bolts sheared off with virtually no torque pressure when Rich attempted to remove them (I have the pieces for photos when I get the time).

Both of the GT Guys opined that the failure was literally a few minutes/miles away when the repair was made. The car has about 3000 miles. Washers were updated. Surprisingly, no loctite was found on the factory bolts. Good thing, since the studs broke off inside the assembly and an easy-out was required.

Thus is would appear that even post -March '06 vehicle production dates are questionable. I do not argue that the March date is inaccurate; my point is that apparantly my very late production 06 GT had a transaxle with pre-March bolts in it, or, that the particular bolts in my car were defective.

Bottom line, I feel better now that the accufab fix is in.

I also have a 2006, #1392 with a build date of 6/13/2006. I had the GT Guys swap out my bolts with AccuFab's as a 'preventative' measure. As it turned out, I had a bolt failure on each side. As with Mitty's, there wasn't any loctite found, which made pulling the studs significantly easier.

 

[Kingman]

Only thing left to do is come up with a fixed amount so we can get reimbursed for the labor and bolt kits. (Maybe some need to add a tow bill).
:thumbsup

During the tech discussion, I brought up the question about reimbursement for the AccuFab solution. It was not answered directly, though the basic message was 'no'.

Ford still has NOT come up with a solution, contrary to what has been shared earlier here. In the short amount of testing time on the latest 'solution', they have not been able to 'replicate' the failure. That is NOT a statement that a solution has been found. They are still pursuing a solution.

In hindsight, I believe I was a bit harsh on Jamal during the tech session. I went into the tech session thinking we were going to be hearing the 'official' position on tech related issues from Ford. Instead Jamal was quite wishy-washy on commitment to any one issue. He even hedged his answer about a potential Ford sourced supercharger and pulley.

It was only afterward that I understood Jamal was not in a position, nor would he be the person to give the 'official' word on a solution from Ford. He was merely providing a kind gesture to the attendees. Jamal wasn't the point person for delivering the official message, thus he couldn't put Ford into a potentially legally binding position - not with 50+ GT owners in the room.

For the folks that had the AccuFab bolts replaced by The GT Guys, it is my belief that since they are not recognized by Ford as 'authorized' personnel to carry out warranty work, the AccuFab bolt replacement work they perform will not be covered under warranty, thus un-reimbursable by Ford. That being said, I believe that the folks that have had the AccuFab bolt replacement WILL still be eligible for the 'official' Ford bolt replacement program when a solution has been found. The reason being is that the AccuFab bolt replacement folks won't be in the official Ford database of owners that have had this issue addressed.

 

[Roger Vincent]

During the tech discussion, I brought up the question about reimbursement for the AccuFab solution. It was not answered directly, though the basic message was 'no'.

Ford still has NOT come up with a solution, contrary to what has been shared earlier here. In the short amount of testing time on the latest 'solution', they have not been able to 'replicate' the failure. That is NOT a statement that a solution has been found. They are still pursuing a solution.

In hindsight, I believe I was a bit harsh on Jamal during the tech session. I went into the tech session thinking we were going to be hearing the 'official' position on tech related issues from Ford. Instead Jamal was quite wishy-washy on commitment to any one issue. He even hedged his answer about a potential Ford sourced supercharger and pulley.

It was only afterward that I understood Jamal was not in a position, nor would he be the person to give the 'official' word on a solution from Ford. He was merely providing a kind gesture to the attendees. Jamal wasn't the point person for delivering the official message, thus he couldn't put Ford into a potentially legally binding position - not with 50+ GT owners in the room.

For the folks that had the AccuFab bolts replaced by The GT Guys, it is my belief that since they are not recognized by Ford as 'authorized' personnel to carry out warranty work, the AccuFab bolt replacement work they perform will not be covered under warranty, thus un-reimbursable by Ford. That being said, I believe that the folks that have had the AccuFab bolt replacement WILL still be eligible for the 'official' Ford bolt replacement program when a solution has been found. The reason being is that the AccuFab bolt replacement folks won't be in the official Ford database of owners that have had this issue addressed.

This is confusing. Mat says they did (can) replicate the problem:


"As you can understand the Accufab bolts came up. They have not been tested and I wouldn't expect them to. Ford will supply a fix to the problem that they certify.

They have tested their fix and and can replicate the problem in the lab. I believe that the accufab fix uses the same washer and it sounded like this new fix will have an even thicker washer as well as new bolts.

I have the greatest respect for Jamal and his willingness to stand up and explain the problem. Ford has gone outside normal channels to get us the information and make us as owners happy. I for one am happy with the response.

matt"


Chris indicates they have duplicated the problem:

"Fix came up at the tech Q & A tonight. Per Jamal, Ford believes they have the problem narrowed to a bad supply of bolts not properly treated from their supplier. They have redesigned the washers and spec'd a new bolt. They have ordered the new fix parts.

Expect communication directly from Ford this fall on specifically what action will/needs to be taken.

In my mind this is good news that Ford has duplicated the problem and identified a fix. I personally have no doubt what-so-ever that Ford will do the right thing once the parts are in hand. I will be watching my mailbox this fall for details."

Help me out here Kingman, I am confused. Did you hear or do you know something that the other two guys missed? I was happy to have read this thread, but now you have me wondering!

Thanks,

Roger

 

[B O N Y]

WHAT EVERYBODY IS MISSING IS THAT WE HAD A TECH SESSION WITH A TOP FORD EXECUTIVE.

I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF ANYONE WHO HAS ATTENDED A PORSCHE, FERRARI OR LAMBO EVENT EVER COULD RECALL AROUND ROBIN SESSION AND ASK QUESTIONS? I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL, NO CHANCE TO DO SO.

OK, IT IS THE BOLTS, NOT THE WASHERS. THE OFFICIAL POSITION IS COMING FROM FORD.

I STUCK ACCUFAB'S IN A FEW WEEKS AGO, IF I GET REIMBURSED I AM DONATING THE MONEY TO THE FORUM. IF NOT, SO WHAT, TINY COMPARED TO THE COST OF OWNING A SUPER CAR. ALMOST DROVE 1700 MILES THIS RALLY... WHOOOOPPEEE!

LADIES, LETS GET REAL.

RANT OVER,.... discuss amongst yourselves.
Bony

 

[tpraceman]

I STUCK ACCUFAB'S IN A FEW WEEKS AGO, IF I GET REIMBURSED I AM DONATING THE MONEY TO THE FORUM. IF NOT, SO WHAT, TINY COMPARED TO THE COST OF OWNING A SUPER CAR. ALMOST DROVE 1700 MILES THIS RALLY... WHOOOOPPEEE!

I said the same thing Bony, plus buy a bottle of wine from your private stock.....got any MD 2020 fermenting?:banana

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

Ford still has NOT come up with a solution, contrary to what has been shared earlier here. In the short amount of testing time on the latest 'solution', they have not been able to 'replicate' the failure. That is NOT a statement that a solution has been found. They are still pursuing a solution....

Were we at the same tech session? Did you take a bathroom break? :confused

- Ford has replicated the problem.

- Ford has determined the problem stems from bad bolts provided by one of their suppliers.

- Ford has a solution.

- Ford has not been able to get their solution to fail, even with extensive repetitive cycles.

- Ford will officially communicate with all GT owners this fall.

I really don't know how much more direct Jamal could have been.

I do not understand the cynicism :frown

 

[427Aggie]

Ford has gone out of their way to treat us as the owners of their premier car.

Bony I'm biting my toungue now before I get kicked off. Oh hell I can't do it...

There were several people at the Q&A that seemed like they were looking for a fight over this and personally it wasn't the place for it. Jamal and the others on the team are great people and go out of their way to help us when they could just send you to a dealer to rot waiting on an answer.

I applaud them for coming out the way they did. If you don't like GT and the way Ford treats you please sell your car and buy a lexus or something.

I had the GT Guys replace my FORD UPDATED bolts with the accufabs just to buy piece of mind until the replacements come out. Its under $400 bucks but worth it if I don't have to worry about having a tow home sometime.

 

[SuperB]

Those with complaints about issues with a supercar should try owning a boat some day!

This is a supercar, it Was, Is and Will Be expensive to own, insure, fuel and maintain. Luxury comes at a price, this is all part of the price of living beyond the edge of 200+ MPH and owning a rare vehicle.

If you paid $400 for the third party bolts, don't expect a refund. No company can or should pay for that. I needed a battery, it was on backorder so I bought third party, I certainly don't expect Ford to reimburse me.

I was pleased to hear that Ford has been looking at the issue and working on a solution. I give high marks to Jamal for being very professional dealing with some of the attacks. I was actually quite embarrassed by some of the comments made at the Q&A by forum members.

 

[Kingman]

My posting was quite clear. There is no cynicism in my statements. I believe I also apologized for being harsh during the tech session. I misunderstood what position the Ford engineer’s were in when they began the discussion. I made sure that I corrected my misperception that they were there in an official capacity. Once this was understood, their comments and delivery took on a different perspective.

I discussed the bolt failure further to get a better understanding with the correct individuals at the gathering and afterwards. The observation I provided earlier is not clouded with rose colored glasses. Perhaps one might consider the consequences of a catastrophic failure, while in traffic, with a loved one in the passenger seat. As I shared earlier, it was determined by respected individuals, that my ride was mere ‘yards’ away from that potential, with a bolt failure on each side. They also commented that my ride was obviously not driven hard, or far, with only 3200 miles to date. Thankfully it appears to date, that a serious accident has not occurred with a Ford GT - where a transaxle bolt failure is the root cause.

I understand what’s entailed with testing and establishing MTBF’s, an adjunct practice that I am currently involved with on military hardware (that is not to say that I have a background in metals, just the discipline in the practice of testing for MTBF’s). If you care to actually read my comments (or from others that have provided similar observations that have a respective background), there was a clear direction that should be understood if, and/or when you experience a failure when it comes to the consideration of your warranty (…not interested in the chest thumping about how miniscule the dollar amount is). The comments were provided to be helpful not derisive.

I very much like my GT. …..and I am not going to participate in a fight, nor shout down people that have opinions that differ from my own.

 

[Chris A.]

Thankfully it appears to date, that a serious accident has not occurred with a Ford GT - where a transaxle bolt failure is the root cause.

I think this is the bottom line....not money. Who knows if the Accufab bolts might fail some day. The solution should come from Ford before the above mentioned scenario occurs.

This is my first post on the subject....I waited to hear from Ford at the Rally. I think there's been enough talk about this that if something bad happened to one of us or our passenger Ford would be looking a a huge lawsuit.

 

[B O N Y]

.

I very much like my GT. …..and I am not going to participate in a fight, nor shout down people that have opinions that differ from my own.

Nor will we allow one to take place on this forum.

For what it is worth, I would never have conducted a Q&A Tech Session. I would respond in writing with a notice to registered owners. However, if forced into it, I would have asked for all the questions a week in advance, and prepared an answer and delivered it via a power point.

 

[dbk]

We're done discussing this. Circular arguments about it that lead from point A to B to C to A to B to C endlessly are adding nothing and are going to cause people who would be great friends in real life to act in a way or say things that will make them regret it later.

They did the testing, found the root problem, will have parts ready by the fall. That's what they said. If that's not suitable for you, take preemptive action and enjoy the car.

7600 hard ass miles and counting.