2022.5 (AU) Ranger Raptor steering rack warranty claim and replacement options

[ozraptor]

Hoping for some confirmation and/or advice -- I've taken my 2022.5 AU Ranger Raptor in for its 75,000 km service and they've told me they found the 'steering gear' (steering rack gear) worn and requires replacement, not covered under warranty because of non-standard aftermarket tyres and wheels.

1. Context - I bought the RR from an official Ford dealership used (1 prev. owner) at 50,000 km with these exact wheels and the same tyre size (I replaced the tyres with new, but same size). The tyres are 295/70r17 (within 15mm size difference spec allowed by Ford) but the wheels are +25mm offset (no spacers) and 2 inch front strut spacers had been put on (which I just discovered last week). Either way, this was how the vehicle was sold to me with the remainder of the 5 year factory warranty (4 years at purchase, now 3 remaining). I was not made aware at purchase that this configuration would void the warranty for the steering rack - does any of this realistically matter?
   
   
2. I was quoted $4,720 AUD for replacement.
   1. Based on online replacement parts + labor, this seems fairly expected if I can't get it under warranty (unless I find a discounted or used part), does this seem about right?
   2. Are there heavy duty or performance right-hand drive options available? (I could only find LHD options.)

I think I have a reasonable case for warranty coverage in this instance, but I'll also request evidence of causation, per their own policy. So my next questions:

1. Would this configuration realistically destroy the steering rack gearing within 75,000 kms?
2. Any quick inspection advice for visibly confirming the claimed wear? (I'll grab the online workshop manual for it later today, but might not have time before I go pick up the RR. Worth noting, I have felt no steering issues at all, so this surprised me.)

Any advice or thoughts is appreciated!

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[stuartmunto]

Yeah I'm pretty sure if a dealership sold it to you with those wheels and tyres then it should be 100% covered under warranty. If it's still drivable you could also try taking it to another dealership and see what they say?

Otherwise, I would be getting in touch with Ford corporate (go above the dealership - call 133 673 to lodge a complaint), follow this up by going to your state's fair trading/consumer protection.

Last resort get in touch with the ACCC, they have a personal vendetta against car dealerships so they should be all over this. Luckily we have some pretty strong consumer protections down here so you should be able to get the dealership to cover it under warranty

I'm pretty sure once you go to Ford corporate the matter will be quickly addressed.

Good luck mate and let us know how you get on

Edit: to answer your other questions: No, I would not think adding those wheel and tyres would cause steering rack wear! It's not like you've got portals on with 37in tyres or something? Also steering rack? Nah! I think any wear or damage was done before you took ownership!

 

[ozraptor]

If it's still drivable you could also try taking it to another dealership and see what they say?

Do you know if they could prevent me from driving it away?

I drove it to the dealership for general servicing and it's had zero indication of steering problems (not loose, drives straight, no sounds or vibrations, etc) so I don't see why it wouldn't be drivable unless it's a sudden safety risk I'm unaware of.

The replacement rack is backordered 4-6 weeks as well.

 

[stuartmunto]

Do you know if they could prevent me from driving it away?

I drove it to the dealership for general servicing and it's had zero indication of steering problems (not loose, drives straight, no sounds or vibrations, etc) so I don't see why it wouldn't be drivable unless it's a sudden safety risk I'm unaware of.

The replacement rack is backordered 4-6 weeks as well.

They can not stop you from driving it away. They also can not stop you from shopping around and getting a second (or third) opinion and quotes. For all you know it could all be bullshit and they're just trying to make some money off of you.

I would tell them to get fucked, get the car back, and then take it to a trusted mechanic or another dealership to inspect and go from there.

If it comes back clean and was all bullshit, 100% lodge a complaint with Ford and ACCC - get that dealership fined for being scammers. If it does in fact need replacing, then go to another dealer and see if it can be a warranty repair - otherwise lodge complaints with Ford, your states consumer protection and then lastly ACCC. From what I've heard, it rarely needs to go to ACCC as once Ford Corporate gets involved the dealership usually will behave

 

[ozraptor]

Thanks for the help mate. I'll assume they're not trying to take advantage, but helps me be prepared for the chat. I suspect they've attributed "rack steering free play" measurements to a worn rack gear when it's actually the steering geometry at/near limits + larger tyres and didn't visually verify the rack gear wear (since I've had no indicator of steering problems like drift, sounds, vibrations, etc).

These dealerships seem so busy, I think they just rush through jobs. On my last service (different dealership) they forgot to plug the air sensor back in (filter change), didn't re-install the airbox lid correctly and broke one of the clips, didn't reset the oil life monitor, and didn't clear the errors they created as a result. I'd much rather do the work myself if that's what it takes to have it done right, but then I'd lose my warranty. Guess I just have to check their work after I get the "authorized" stamp in the service book.

 

[stuartmunto]

Thanks for the help mate. I'll assume they're not trying to take advantage, but helps me be prepared for the chat. I suspect they've attributed "rack steering free play" measurements to a worn rack gear when it's actually the steering geometry at/near limits + larger tyres and didn't visually verify the rack gear wear (since I've had no indicator of steering problems like drift, sounds, vibrations, etc).

These dealerships seem so busy, I think they just rush through jobs. On my last service (different dealership) they forgot to plug the air sensor back in (filter change), didn't re-install the airbox lid correctly and broke one of the clips, didn't reset the oil life monitor, and didn't clear the errors they created as a result. I'd much rather do the work myself if that's what it takes to have it done right, but then I'd lose my warranty. Guess I just have to check their work after I get the "authorized" stamp in the service book.

Yeah…. I would not be going back to that dealership after what you’ve just said. I also wouldn’t trust them telling you your steering rack needs replacing. I wouldn’t trust my RR with service department like that

You know you can have the car log booked service by any licensed mechanic and still keep your warranty. It’s always a good idea to shop around your local area for a well reviewed mechanic. You’ll be surprised how good local mechanics are compared to dealerships! Not only are you supporting local small businesses, but you’ll have a mechanic you can trust and get to know over time. You’ll end up getting mates rates eventually

after reading this I would 100% take it for a second opinion mate. Sounds like these clowns are clueless

 

[ozraptor]

You know you can have the car log booked service by any licensed mechanic and still keep your warranty.

Ah, I thought it had to be a Ford authorised service center. Good to know! I'll definitely shop around in that case.

I should be picking it up today so we'll see what happens.

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