[vindizzle9]

I just purchased a set a KW V1 coilovers for a great deal. The only catch was that the endlink tab on the front passenger strut snapped off and needed to be re-welded. I was fine with the idea of welding the tab, but the more i talk about it the more uncomfortable the idea sounds. Do you guys think a good shop can re-weld and brace the tab? The other alternative would be to send the strut back to KW for a $300 rebuild.

[iDriveanXi]

If done right a weld can be stronger than the surrounding metal so I don't see an issue. I would certainly take it to a reputable shop or if your lucky you know of a welder who will do it on the side. If there is a risk of KW not doing a rebuild after it's been rewelded maybe that's something to consider. I have no clue if they would take that avenue, just putting it out there.

[BRGmatthew]

Originally Posted by vindizzle9

I just purchased a set a KW V1 coilovers for a great deal. The only catch was that the endlink tab on the front passenger strut snapped off and needed to be re-welded. I was fine with the idea of welding the tab, but the more i talk about it the more uncomfortable the idea sounds. Do you guys think a good shop can re-weld and brace the tab? The other alternative would be to send the strut back to KW for a $300 rebuild.

IF kw is willing to take it back before the weld and rebuild the whole thing and the rebuild will come with a new endlink tab, then I would send it in.

[mike-y]

rewelding is fine as long as it's done properly.

if you send the shock in to get revalved, send both fronts in, not just one. otherwise the damping may not match since the other shock will be worn and the rebuilt one is essentially new on the inside.

[Hybrid For Life]

Try getting it welded first. If that fails, which I don't see happening, then go for the rebuild. And yes like others have said, if you do get a rebuild done make sure both fronts get rebuilt.

[Orb]

Originally Posted by vindizzle9

I just purchased a set a KW V1 coilovers for a great deal. The only catch was that the endlink tab on the front passenger strut snapped off and needed to be re-welded. I was fine with the idea of welding the tab, but the more i talk about it the more uncomfortable the idea sounds. Do you guys think a good shop can re-weld and brace the tab? The other alternative would be to send the strut back to KW for a $300 rebuild.

This is a know issue on older KW and if you are the original owner or have a receipt you will get both struts retrofitted with upgraded housings under warranty. If not, you will need to upgrade both housing as they will fail in time for sure. They usually bend first in a short amount of time. I would do a serach here to see at leat 10 others just like this.

[vindizzle9]

Thanks for the great info. Much appreciated.

[vindizzle9]

Originally Posted by Orb

This is a know issue on older KW and if you are the original owner or have a receipt you will get both struts retrofitted with upgraded housings under warranty. If not, you will need to upgrade both housing as they will fail in time for sure. They usually bend first in a short amount of time. I would do a serach here to see at leat 10 others just like this.

I found early threads with the same issue due to sway bars installed upside down and faulty early designs. Now all these issues have been resolved under warranty. However, i am not the original owner. So my question is, Were the early failures due to manufacturing or design flaws? I am waiting to hear back from KW with a built date on these coilovers.

[Orb]

Originally Posted by vindizzle9

I found early threads with the same issue due to sway bars installed upside down and faulty early designs. Now all these issues have been resolved under warranty. However, i am not the original owner. So my question is, Were the early failures due to manufacturing or design flaws? I am waiting to hear back from KW with a built date on these coilovers.

The problem was due to a design flaw. This is a very well known and documented issue at KW!! This issue was a very common occurrence 3-4 years ago to the point it should have been a recall. The new strut housing has a thicker cross section roll bar mount and you can see this is some pictures. I can see that you strut is the old style roll bar mount. I had my old KW warranted due to bending a few years back now. You will need to replace both housing or it will fail again. Hopefully they will work out a deal for you.

[vindizzle9]

Originally Posted by Orb

The problem was due to a design flaw. This is a very well known and documented issue at KW!! This issue was a very common occurrence 3-4 years ago to the point it should have been a recall. The new strut housing has a thicker cross section roll bar mount and you can see this is some pictures. I can see that you strut is the old style roll bar mount. I had my old KW warranted due to bending a few years back now. You will need to replace both housing or it will fail again. Hopefully they will work out a deal for you.

Thanks Orb!