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Post by Phoebe on Dec 8, 2015 21:35:21 GMT 11
I found I have a spare plastic sink plug that fits so I've taped that on the passenger side for now and the plastic petrol cap taped on the driver's side hasn't moved so I may never get round to doing anything else as you can't see them when you lift the bonnet, and they should keep all the rain out.
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Post by EVangelist on Dec 8, 2015 23:53:23 GMT 11
OK quote came back at $68 including delivery to sydney, I'll take the chance and make the order for 10 (5 pairs) at $6.80 each. Will be a couple of weeks probably, I'll post up when they arrive. Awesome - I'll take a pair. I checked my struts and there's a little bit of rust there but nothing serious. Leaf is only 12 months old and spends most of its time under cover so I'm lucky. But what an absurd cost-trim from Nissan - would adding $10 to the cost of the car seriously be the tipping point??
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Post by hieronymous on Dec 10, 2015 15:47:49 GMT 11
So, my take on this is that it is a warranty issue; under NZ consumer law (and equally under Oz consumer law I'm sure), such corrosion is unacceptable in new/near new vehicles. So I got straight onto my dealer today. They had never seen it before, were concerned, took photos, and are getting onto Nissan about it, as a warranty issue. Watch this space... Ok, so I got a call back from my dealer today, they had provided Nissan with details of my concerns, sent the photos, and as they had been unaware of this website, pointed Nissan in the direction of this thread. Nissan has replied, and they will remedy the corrosion by replacement of removable parts with non-corroding equivalents, and that my dealer will clean and rust-proof the area. Parts are needed from Japan, so this will happen probably during my Leaf's next service (January). Nissan rejects any suggestion that this was an assembly-line stuff-up (so it remains a glaring design fault as far as I am concerned). Therefore the dealer says if I want some sort of cap I will need to pursue some after-market solution (read at my own expense), as they are unaware of any part made for the Leaf. I have been onto my dealer's spare parts department, and they quickly recognised the Nissan part 54330-ED000 (post #3 from feng), but said it was listed for Micra and Tilda models - cost $15 each side (probably + GST), so that is an option. I am currently using an small plastic upturned garden nursery pot tray which has the right width and depth to be a perfect fit and may just continue to do so, if the rust-proofing is well done. So anyone within easy distance of their dealer, pursue a repair under warranty and keep us posted!
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Post by rusdy on Dec 10, 2015 17:34:00 GMT 11
The thing that I don't get...if a part exists that clearly has been designed to address the design flaw, why is it not attached to the car? Fail Nissan Australia. Fail! I've just installed the new cap straight from Japan. However, I've just found out there is a 1mm diameter hole on the top of the cap (expected, for some air ventilation, me guess). Since the wiper blade shaft sits directly on top of this cap, I wonder whether this cap will solve the problem or not . Hmmm... I guess I'll check when the leaf goes through the rain next (pun intended). By the way, I've ordered through Hayakawa in Japan, it's the delivery that is expensive, not the parts. Fast delivery though, I've got mine within a week!
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Post by Phoebe on Dec 10, 2015 19:39:35 GMT 11
However, I've just found out there is a 1mm diameter hole on the top of the cap (expected, for some air ventilation, me guess). Since the wiper blade shaft sits directly on top of this cap, I wonder whether this cap will solve the problem or not . Hmmm... I guess I'll check when the leaf goes through the rain next (pun intended). Doesn't sound too good to me - think I'll stick with my patch up job - no hole in that!
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Post by jacky on Dec 13, 2015 6:18:59 GMT 11
I've just installed the new cap straight from Japan. However, I've just found out there is a 1mm diameter hole on the top of the cap (expected, for some air ventilation, me guess). Since the wiper blade shaft sits directly on top of this cap, I wonder whether this cap will solve the problem or not . I have the cap installed and washed my car yesterday. I use pressure washer and thus there are a lot of water draining drown from the windscreen. Water still pooled there. I put a electric tape to seal the 1mm hole and see if water can still get in next week car wash. I worried the water were coming through the bottom of the cap not from the hole. If that is the case, the solution will be more complex. BTW, the cap is in back order in Nissan. I ordered 2 but only 1 arrived. I am still waiting for the another one from Japan.
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Post by jake on Dec 13, 2015 23:39:12 GMT 11
I washed my car today checked on top of the shockers and absolutely full of water. Not too rusty yet but with that amount of water lying there with nowhere to go, it wouldn't take long for significant rust to take hold.
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Post by EVangelist on Dec 13, 2015 23:44:00 GMT 11
I've just installed the new cap straight from Japan. However, I've just found out there is a 1mm diameter hole on the top of the cap (expected, for some air ventilation, me guess). Since the wiper blade shaft sits directly on top of this cap, I wonder whether this cap will solve the problem or not . I have the cap installed and washed my car yesterday. I use pressure washer and thus there are a lot of water draining drown from the windscreen. Water still pooled there. I put a electric tape to seal the 1mm hole and see if water can still get in next week car wash. I worried the water were coming through the bottom of the cap not from the hole. If that is the case, the solution will be more complex. Might have to silicone the caps on...
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Post by rusdy on Dec 14, 2015 12:54:23 GMT 11
Nissan has replied, and they will remedy the corrosion by replacement of removable parts with non-corroding equivalents, and that my dealer will clean and rust-proof the area. After more feedback from others. Looks like this is the only way to go. I can't see any obvious solution at the moment how to prevent the rust. Greasing it with heavy grease is my plan B, so it can sits submerged for quite some time), until Nissan can offer some solution to the 'design flaw'. Maybe someone in the design team decided it was such a good idea to put wiper shaft that drain everything directly on top of the strut. Maybe... ---EDIT--- Actually, now that I think of it, I might stick to my original cowboy solution. I did put alumunium foil and shape around the rubbery area (is that the correct technical term?), and it did work for a week and survived the rain (the water drained around it).
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Post by jacky on Dec 14, 2015 18:56:56 GMT 11
I may try glad wrap with a rubber band.
UPDATE: Just poured a litre of water on the driver side windscreen and water ran into the spot. I can confirm that the water didn't go into the top of the suspension if the 1 mm hole is blocked by a tape.
In other words, with the cap, water only get into the suspension via the 1 mm hole at the top of the cap.
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Post by jeffjl on Dec 14, 2015 19:50:13 GMT 11
Had these been ICE cars the water would have evaporated (I'm guessing here, humour me) before any rust set in due to the engine heat.
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Post by Phoebe on Dec 14, 2015 21:21:38 GMT 11
I don't know. They are fairly big cups, hold quite a lot of water and are as far away as you can get from the engine and still be under the bonnet. In an ICE car the water would get hot, but, boil away, I doubt it
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Post by hieronymous on Dec 15, 2015 16:45:31 GMT 11
Okay, so I was considering what I could put over the top of the struts after corrosion-proofing, and I wasn't interested in forking out for an imported part from Japan at some exorbitant dealer-inflated price, or chasing around wrecking yards, so I turned to an option I often use - hunting around Bunnings for one of its thousands of bits and pieces that might be a good solution, even if not intended as such!
So, with a little forethought I went looking for something like a small drain unblocking tool, and that proved to be a good thought - I found a small drain unblocker (just the flexible rubber cup part) that has an internal cup diameter of 90mm and an external cup diameter of 110mm, and it is more-or-less a perfect fit. It is very flexible rubber so slips in easily, and has enough weight that it isn't going to move. It has a screw head for a handle that can be easily cut off but I don't think I will even bother. Problem solved.... (about $4.50 au/nz, #:04900037)
So try your local Bunnings!!
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Post by duncan on Dec 21, 2015 18:00:19 GMT 11
OK, I have 10 sets of covers here for anyone who wants to go that way. 6.80ea pickup in Gladesville Sydney or actual cost if I need to post them somewhere. I'm out of town from Boxing day until New Year's but I suspect either all or none of them will be gone by then Oh, and good call on a bunnings alternative, they are a pretty simple part which should be easy to find an equivalent
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Post by hieronymous on Dec 21, 2015 18:27:05 GMT 11
Thanks for the choice, Duncan, (but my Bunnings is about 2000km closer...)
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Post by Cachexian (Gordon) on Dec 21, 2015 21:03:16 GMT 11
Thanks Duncan.
I'll come and grab a couple please. When would suit? I could come during day tomorrow or tomorrow evening early or late or Thursday morning? I'm in Haberfield. I'll PM you my mobile number.
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Post by datsunleaf on Dec 22, 2015 8:45:41 GMT 11
Thanks Duncan, we would appreciate a set as well (if there are any left) I'll PM our phone numbers.
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Post by Feng on Dec 22, 2015 15:22:42 GMT 11
Thanks Duncan, I'll PM you for details. It's raining fairly heavily in Sydney today, I'm sure my suspension tower is nicely flooded by now.
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Post by Phoebe on Dec 22, 2015 16:45:07 GMT 11
I checked my improvised system in the rain today and it's working well
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Post by duncan on Dec 22, 2015 19:29:14 GMT 11
pms replied
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Post by Cachexian (Gordon) on Dec 23, 2015 21:36:01 GMT 11
Thanks for the caps Duncan. They fit perfectly.
in fact I noticed that there a little lugs built into the rubber cup thingy that look as though it was designed to have that part installed (as per UK model). The caps just click into place.
Really seems to me as if they were just missed out on our batch.
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Post by duncan on Jan 5, 2016 13:27:56 GMT 11
OK I'm back and have 1 set left (plus 2 sets aside for Feng and EVangelist) so anyone who wants the last set let me know
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Post by iamlsd on Jan 6, 2016 18:30:51 GMT 11
Would you consider posting to Adelaide?
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Post by duncan on Jan 8, 2016 9:59:01 GMT 11
yeah no problems, just pm me your address and I'll send them out.
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Post by hieronymous on Jan 29, 2016 17:22:43 GMT 11
So, my take on this is that it is a warranty issue; under NZ consumer law (and equally under Oz consumer law I'm sure), such corrosion is unacceptable in new/near new vehicles. So I got straight onto my dealer today. They had never seen it before, were concerned, took photos, and are getting onto Nissan about it, as a warranty issue. Watch this space... Ok, so I got a call back from my dealer today, they had provided Nissan with details of my concerns, sent the photos, and as they had been unaware of this website, pointed Nissan in the direction of this thread. Nissan has replied, and they will remedy the corrosion by replacement of removable parts with non-corroding equivalents, and that my dealer will clean and rust-proof the area. Parts are needed from Japan, so this will happen probably during my Leaf's next service (January). Just had my Leaf in for service, so the warranty work now done. Nice shiny new nuts!
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Post by quaternary on Feb 15, 2016 20:51:42 GMT 11
I've just got around to having a look - mine are rusty too, dang it. The driver's side is certainly worse than the passengers side. A couple of questions for the group: 1) Is there anyone with an Austrian/NZ-new Leaf who does not have this problem with the rust? 2) Has anyone other than hieronymous sort to get Nissan to get the rust removed/problem remedied? If yes, what has the reaction been?
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Post by jeffthewalker on Feb 16, 2016 8:53:01 GMT 11
I've just got around to having a look - mine are rusty too, dang it. The driver's side is certainly worse than the passengers side. A couple of questions for the group: 1) Is there anyone with an Austrian/NZ-new Leaf who does not have this problem with the rust? 2) Has anyone other than hieronymous sort to get Nissan to get the rust removed/problem remedied? If yes, what has the reaction been? I photographed mine and emailed it to Moorooka Nissan and they said I was the second to report it and they would order in the parts required and fix it under warranty on my next visit. Very pleasant and swift reply.
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Post by jeffjl on Feb 18, 2016 14:52:10 GMT 11
A couple of questions for the group: 1) Is there anyone with an Austrian/NZ-new Leaf who does not have this problem with the rust? 2) Has anyone other than hieronymous sort to get Nissan to get the rust removed/problem remedied? If yes, what has the reaction been? Not sure if you will get too many people from the Austrian site here. Melville Nissan had not seen it before. Am expecting to get it fixed at my next service (under warranty).
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Post by jake on Feb 18, 2016 15:28:29 GMT 11
A couple of questions for the group: 1) Is there anyone with an Austrian/NZ-new Leaf who does not have this problem with the rust? 2) Has anyone other than hieronymous sort to get Nissan to get the rust removed/problem remedied? If yes, what has the reaction been? Not sure if you will get too many people from the Austrian site here. Melville Nissan had not seen it before. Am expecting to get it fixed at my next service (under warranty). I think everyone who has checked has found some signs of rust and for some reason worse on the drivers side.
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Post by Phoebe on Feb 18, 2016 15:54:13 GMT 11
It's worse on the driver's side because the wiper blade that side shoots the rain straight in, and it doesn't do that on the passenger side.
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