H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

Hey guys,
Has anyone ever expierienced this on their coilovers. These are H&R S4 8E coilovers (2005 S4 Sedan) and have about 40,000kms on them. Even though they are adjustable, they were adjusted at initial installation and never again. Only one is like this, the others are fine. The car was never tracked

1. Where can I find a shop that will service them, that is, replace the broken perch.
2. Will H&R warrant these? Should I try them first?

There are a lot of negative comments on several forums regarding the design and function of the perch as well as H&R support. I cannot validate any of these yet as I am only starting my investigation.

Any help would be much appreciated

Re: H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

This was the original set (model 29250-1)

Re: H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

I'm no expert on coilovers or springs or anything like that but from researching, I've read about people removing the perch completely to get the height they want.. so I dont't think your performance of your setup will be affected.

Re: H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

if you remove the perch, there won't be a platform for the spring to sit on. So unless I'm missing something, I don't get it. Please explain what you mean

Re: H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

People remove rear perches, in a setup where the suspension is not actual spring over damper. Obviously, you can't remove the perch on a true coilover.

I don't know why you'd ask us before H&R - I'd hit up your retailer first, then H&R directly if they don't help you out. Most reputable retailers would get it replaced regardless of warranty status due to that being a very unusual failure.

My guesses are manufacturing defect, or improper installation, the latter being more likely. Maybe the installer torqued the locknuts excessively, preloading the thread with a lot of force. The clamping forces of a large diameter fastener like that can be insanely high, and they are supposed to barely tighter than finger tight.

Re: H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

Unfortunately the retailer is No longer in business. I will be calling H&R Monday, but was just curious if anyone here ever had, or heard of the problem.

Re: H&R Coilover Broken Perch Help
 

So I contacted H&R on Monday morning, explained the failure and sent pictures showing the defect. Tuesday afternoon, I received the following response:

"We have reviewed your pictures. Unfortunately your concern is not a warrantable and we are not aware of this issue. I have spoken to Warren at Essex Distributors and have made a pair of these available for purchase by you. Thank you for contacting us."

I responded with another email with the following:
1. Asking them to clarify why they felt I should pay for replacing a failed structural component
2. What exactly what is covered under their "lifetime" warranty
3. I sent them links to several other forum members with the same defect and challenged their claim of "never hearing about the issue".

Now, the replacement parts they referred me to aren't expensive (~$100 with shipping), but once you factor in the labor for initial installation, removal, and re-installation, well.... do the math.

Once I get these parts in, I'm replacing them and posting the entire kit up for sale. No more H&R for me! If anyone is interested, make me an offer. Bidding starts at $0.05 :)