RECALL: Brake Servo Hose

[RichN]

...The servo pipe will not be replaced on any of your cars, only repaired if it is cracked, if its not cracked then it is unlikely to crack in the future. I know this because iam a seat technician.

I'm confused. What makes you say "The servo pipe will not be replaced on any of your cars" - it was replaced on mine, after it split 40 miles after the 40k service, when Seat Technicians also failed to notice the crack forming. Despite having just bought the car. From a dealer. I suggested it was a recalled part, they agreed, part was changed.

In my case, the pipe cracked, while I was driving it backwards, up a hill, at about 30 mph. It took me over 4 times the distance usually required to stop, despite it being a serious hill. (I then had to call the AA to provide me with new pants, big style, as despite having ONLY JUST stopped driving my unassisted Astra 40 miles before, i was nothing LIKE ready for the weight you gotta put on the pedal to stop where you had planned to.)

If I was reading this as an 'unaffected' owner, or an owner who's letter has been lost in the post (if they ever get sent) (or gone to a former owner or garage who don't care, in the case of recent sales) I'd be keeping a serious eye on it, and considering having a new one fitted regardless, even if I had to pay.

My car is a Y reg Cupra. In a parallel universe, it may have been squashed into a tree at 120mph when the pipe failed when I was going forwards. Clearly on a test track.

 

[flashbsd]

mine replaced today FOC, absolutly no repair, a whole new pipe, although looks to bge of the same material. will see how long this one lasts. reciept here says RECALL 47S3

 

[m0rk]

From SEAT UK:


I can confirm that a recall has been issued in relation to the vacuum pipe on the brake servo. The owners of the vehicles affected will be receiving a letter during the following weeks, advising them of the situation and what steps are needed to have this rectified.

The information about the chassis break points for the vehicles affected has been passed to the network of SEAT approved dealers, so that they may be able to assist you further, if necessary.

 

[Dormouse]

In my case, the pipe cracked, while I was driving it backwards, up a hill, at about 30 mph.

What the f**k were you doing? Practicing J-Turns?

Dor.

 

[RichN]

What the f**k were you doing? Practicing J-Turns?

Dor.

Nothing abusive to my new car or irresponsible either.
It was more of a 'pirouette' really.

 

[Dormouse]

Just to clarify things. The servo pipe will not be replaced on any of your cars, only repaired if it is cracked, if its not cracked then it is unlikely to crack in the future. I know this because iam a seat technician. Checked mine today and its fine.

Hmmm,

Yes typical 'cheap' SEAT way of dealing with things. Want to borrow some selotape? That's normally the class of repair you recieve

Dor.

 

[spinrs2k]

just gave seat a ring and like was confirmed there is a recall and mine is booked in to get it replaced next tuesday, mine is not split or anything they are just replacing it

also getting the coolent expansion tank replaced because my sensor has gone and beeps every morning

 

[mik]

Hmmm,

Yes typical 'cheap' SEAT way of dealing with things. Want to borrow some selotape? That's normally the class of repair you recieve

Dor.

Yeah - repair sounds a very "skinflint" way of approaching this. Is it leak-tested to confirm a seal? Had the longevity of this been assessed?

Mine was obviously replaced with a new pipe.

It's now 4 months since I was dealing with VOSA and they confirmed a recall would take place.

Rush on here feeling quite bleddy pleased with myself thankyou that I've performed a top civil duty and end up looking like a dummy as nothing happens....

I find it hugely dissapointing that the motor industry can consider this pace of response acceptible. Even more so that the Insurance companies would allow this ~ particularly in today's litigation-bonkers environment.

This failure leaves you with SERIOUSLY compromised braking ability FFS!

 

[T7ODD]

My local dealer just told me that there's a recall but when I asked for the chassis details affected they said that I would get a letter from SEAT UK if my vehicle is affected. I bought my car privately and haven't had any dealings with dealers yet so asked whether SEAT got the info from DVLA and they said yes.

 

[BMcN]

My local dealer just told me that there's a recall but when I asked for the chassis details affected they said that I would get a letter from SEAT UK if my vehicle is affected. I bought my car privately and haven't had any dealings with dealers yet so asked whether SEAT got the info from DVLA and they said yes.

So just tell them you have a letter and insist they do it.

 

[Dormouse]

but when I asked for the chassis details affected they said that I would get a letter from SEAT UK if my vehicle is affected.

Or.

Your next of kin will recieve a letter when you wrap the car round a tree cos it coulnd't brake. FFS SEAT. (Maimed customers can't buy new cars....hmmm?)

Dor.

 

[SeanyK]

My mate is a mechanic at the local SEAT garage, when mine went in for a Coil Pack replacement he told me that I had a crack in that servo pipe.
I didnt notice any difference at all in the braking, but then mine was split from the connection and was heading 'downward' so eventually i'd guess it would have made a difference lol, 3 weeks later I had it replaced FOC (the day the SEAT guy came up to me and said the recall was just starting!) as I'd complained direct to SEAT UK who agreed to replace it for free.

 

[flashbsd]

mine was cracked, but hadnt gone completely. its a very thick pipe. and so would probably be ok cracked, but not the sort of thing to leave! quote the recall number if they query it as i said above

 

[cupra_matt]

I have a copy of the recall sheet in my toolbox at work. I will try and scan it in on my PC and post for you guys to see, includes chassis breaks and repair procedures.

 

[Madmile]

Mine was cracked and replaced about 12-16 months ago under warranty.

 

[mark sheerin]

What about the other diesel recall mantioned in Auto Express last week....


batch of bad bolts holding the diesel pump on...leading to fuel leakage..under very high pressure by the way..

When will the recall be on that...

My car was made last July and comes within the time period for both these recalls but I have heard jack about either despite it being a dealer supplied car from new....

 

[cupra_matt]

Right it turns out i was wrong about the ibiza recall. The pipe must be replaced on all ibiza's, but only repaired on A3's, Golf's etc. Sorry.

As for the fuel leak, the tandem pump bolted to the head is what is affected. Check your car to see if it is a Bosch pump, if so you should be ok. Recall is on other makes of pumps only, but will still require checking. Hope this helps.

The pump is located on the end of the head and is driven directly of the camshaft.

 

[mik]

Right it turns out i was wrong about the ibiza recall. The pipe must be replaced on all ibiza's, but only repaired on A3's, Golf's etc. Sorry.

But isn't it the same pipe

It's certainly the same design principle, materials, manufacturing method, and failure mode........ why is the "fix" different?

 

[mik]

in fact...... sorry Matt but I need to correct you.

Searched back to my previous previous previous thread and HERE ~ VOSA LINK is the link to the Golf/Bora recall for the same issue. It clearly states inspect and replace

Don't look at the date on it (or the similar Octavia and Audi A3 recalls) ~ you'll just get upset.

 

[cupra_matt]

I can see this is going to be an on going debate, but the a3 and golf's are to have there pipes repaired, as iam a VW /Audi and Seat tech i have all the info to hand and i have done dozens of recalls on them. Its only today when i read the ibiza recall sheet when doing my own car i realised they had to be replaced only.

This is not the case on previous recalls on brake servo pipes on audi's and VW's.