Rob D. Posted December 10, 2018 Share Posted December 10, 2018 Evening,Has anyone had any experience of the DeDion tube spliting / cracking around the shock fixing ? /sites/default/files/images/users/43382/large_DeDion%20tube%20split.jpgThe car is 20 years old. Interested to know if anyone has seen this before and if there are modifications on later DD tubes to mitigate this failure mode. ThanksRob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob D. Posted December 10, 2018 Author Share Posted December 10, 2018 Sorry - just found the thread. https://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/summary-dedion-tube-failures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 10, 2018 Member Share Posted December 10, 2018 Private Message sent.Edited: Crossed with #2.Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 10, 2018 Share Posted December 10, 2018 Rob,well spotted - yes they can fail and spit you into the scenery without warning. Lots have failed but caterham also failed to acknowledge they have a design fault / recall situation.The current tube has increased wall thickness and a butress to support the shock fixing. I upgraded mine for peace of mind.RegardsIan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob D. Posted December 11, 2018 Author Share Posted December 11, 2018 Thanks Jonathan,I also found this document.:- http://www.caterhamracing.com/downloads/newsletters/superlight240702.pdfI was considering welding the tube up using a coded welder, adding damper mount gussets and then putting it through a Dye Pen crack test, but it looks like the latest tube is thicker gauge steel in a number of locations and has longer damper mounts- so probably worth 350 quid and peace of mind. Thanks for taking the time to highlight and document the issue.Rob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revilla Posted December 11, 2018 Share Posted December 11, 2018 Speak to Bruce at Arch Motors (who make the tubes) ... he upgraded mine for me to the latest spec for a very reasonable sum. Included blasting it all, crack testing, welding in new pieces and powder coating like new. If the metal thickness is different, Bruce will be the man who knows what's what. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickh7 Posted December 11, 2018 Share Posted December 11, 2018 Yep had one go mid corner not fun . New one purchased with all the extra bits as mentioned. Swapped within the hour with the help of Dave Wingfield and his ramp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative bluenose Posted December 11, 2018 Area Representative Share Posted December 11, 2018 The later dedion tubes are of a thicker gauge and therefore heavier than the earlier ones, pre 2003 if memory serves me. Speaking to Bruce at Arch is a good idea, worth your while.Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Tin Man Posted December 12, 2018 Area Representative Share Posted December 12, 2018 Having read the old thread the number of failures seems far to high for there not to be a recall. Obviously, Caterham feel profit is far more important than human lives. This appears to be quite typical of modern companies who are purely profit driven. For example, VW were quite happy to poison us all with false emissions. My 7 is 19 years old therefore I think I will be changing mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB Posted December 12, 2018 Share Posted December 12, 2018 Mine might be going to Arch in the spring for side panels, so I might see if I can replace or upgrade mine while I'm there. Its 22 years old, and has the wide buttress. Fortunately my dampers mount through the tube so the tendency to unpeel the welded bracket isn't there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted December 12, 2018 Share Posted December 12, 2018 Tom,The general view is through the tube mounting of shocks is fine. Always good to check as part of the service schedule.Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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