General FAO: MK1 owners - brake pipe corrosion

[helpimonfire]

I got a letter today from Fiat about corrosion occuring on the brake pipes. I think this may have been covered before but it may be worth thinking about.

Fiat UK are offering free check up and replacement (if needed) of brake pipes on mk1 puntos. the letter says you should contact your nearest dealership and book an appointment. i dunno if this applies to people who got the letter only, or all mk1 owners...

just thought you'd all better know. better to be safe than sorry

 

[charlieboy]

that sounds good, if it does mean anyone with mk1 can then ill go

will you be able to find out at all?

charlie

 

[beau]

its a rather old re-call, my sisters went in errr about 5 years ago.

 

[FiatStiloJTD]

Well it cant be if he only got a letter this week can it?

Does it say what years it is for (or is it the whole 1993 - 1999 range)?

Matt

 

[helpimonfire]

It says "Series one" on the letter, which makes me thing it just mean the MK1. Try giving your local dealership a ring and ask them about it, mention that a friend got the letter and you own a mk1 punto aswell, see if they say "bring it in and we'll check for you" but remember to ask if it's free

Beau, the letter is dated 27th Feb 2006... something tells me that WASN'T 5 years ago.

 

[beau]

this has been going on for about 6 years, you only have the letter if your punto hasnt been recorded as having it done, your punto is late, should of been done by now.

 

[helpimonfire]

It's been done twice by Fiat, took it to the mechanic next door and he put some decent brake lines on, no problem with them.

 

[cartyspuntogt]

i had a letter about my punto in march last year

 

[puntostyling]

mine got done last year

 

[littlemiss]

I've not had a letter but i've only owned the car for 7 months, is there any way to find out if it's already been looked at or is it possible to take it to Fiat anyway for free?

 

[Steven]

Some clarification needed here I think.

This has been an ongoing issue with Mk1 Puntos, 1994 - 1999.

All Mk1 Puntos are entitled to a free inspection and if there is a problem then the brake pipes front and back are replaced free of charge.

If you call your local dealer or Fiat customer service with the chassis number they will tell you if your car has been done. They only do it once per car.

It doesn't just apply to the first owner and they can only send you a letter if they know that you own the car and where you live. If you have a Mk1 Punto then give Fiat a call.

 

[dave]

a fiat tech posted the other day that letters are being re sent, so they get any that were missed. not a bad deal giving free pipes if needed to a 10 year old car

edit dont wait for letter though, do what steve said

 

[littlemiss]

Thanks for the info, i'll give them a call next week when i've got the time to take the car in.

 

[FiatStiloJTD]

Hmmmmmm...better give them a ring. Or pop down to our (stripped of Fiat Dealership status) 'Fiat Specialist" and see what they say. Im skeptical on the cars history (rental car etc.). So might be worth a check up, and get some free brake pipes in return.

Matt

 

[HardBoiledEgg]

The mk1 EL that I have failed it's MOT due to excessivley corroded brake pipes I think a phonecall to FIAT is in order
The underbody is also corroded and needs a lot of welding done to it - the garages I took it to said they had never seen a Punto that rotted before They also said it would cost £500 + for the brake pipes and the welding to be done on it.
It's just sat on the drive SORNed. Shame really as its in lovely condition, the engine and 6speed gearbox are sweet as a nut and the bodywork is immaculate. It was like a faded pinky red but it's polished up to deep shiny red.

 

[captain ash]

The mk1 EL that I have failed it's MOT due to excessivley corroded brake pipes I think a phonecall to FIAT is in order
The underbody is also corroded and needs a lot of welding done to it - the garages I took it to said they had never seen a Punto that rotted before They also said it would cost £500 + for the brake pipes and the welding to be done on it.
It's just sat on the drive SORNed. Shame really as its in lovely condition, the engine and 6speed gearbox are sweet as a nut and the bodywork is immaculate. It was like a faded pinky red but it's polished up to deep shiny red.

mine failed its MOT for that, I havent had a quote yet, but if thats the price then its safe to say im having it scrapped

 

[Hellcat]

You could buy a good quality brake pipe maker and a huge amount of pipe and ends for a lot less.

 

[faster4_tec]

he said welding aswell.

Must have been bottomed out or ran sideways acrross a kerb/rocks, or maybe even got attacked by those finger things on car parks that stop you driving out of the entrance

as they shouldn't rust, not unless its poorly done accident damage

 

[HardBoiledEgg]

he said welding aswell.

If you mean me, I am she. My name is Nicola :wave: And the Punto was like that when I bought it so I have no idea what caused it to rust.

 

[Sei S]

Just got back from taking mine to dealer for this recall. Had car since July 04.