|
Having read the report, there are some good points made. I see in FMEA a guy who is a specification "stickler", with only black and white views on things. That's because a specification is a specification. That said, every QC guy I know has a similar outlook. There must also be a business view on particular issues and someone at senior level has clearly made one - remember the pressure in 2005/2006 on the Honda plant to produce the Civic? Well you can be damn sure that all there sub suppliers were under immense pressure to deliver, with financial penalties for delays.
Here's my thoughts:
- I do agree with his points regarding testing protocols, that inappropriate test methods have been employed, and that more representative ones should have been used.
- I don't think VOSA have handled the matter particularly well
- I think there is a minimal risk of failure, however there is a risk
- I think the problem may only manifest itself in later years, if there has been reason to remove the assembly and if the wheel spindle has been torqued up a few times
- I do think there is an element of someone not getting there own way here
That's my two pennies worth! For the sake and cost of the parts and replacement costs, Honda could have made this go away overnight. That cost could be much higher in later years if a spate of failures occurs and claims kick in. Or they could at a lot lower cost, commission the correct tests to be carried out and actually prove there are no issues with the component.
Only time will tell!
|