This is a question for @Harleyguy and @FiskerPhilly. Were the folks at the inspection office more specific? Here are photos of the front suspension:

Any particular component they suggested as the culprit?

 

It sounds like to me the inner steering rack tie rod is loose that's the most common wear part. You need to verify that's whats worn. If you put the car up on a lift and grab the tire and wiggle in and out you should see and feel the play .
Now for the bad news the tie rods aren't available separately you need to buy a complete steering rack. You can replace the steering rack or just remove the inner tie rods from the new rack and install the tie rods on your steering rack. Since you need to buy a complete steering rack I would replace both of them.

As far as parts the steering rack are available not sure how you can handle shipping. And if there is any dealerships in Europe you can order from . If not you will have to order from USA the shipping is going to be expensive unless you have the tie rods removed here and just ship you the tie rods .

 

hello i have one used but good one. if need please write me.

 

still have that’s steering rack?

 

Thx for the input. I will drive the car down to Amsterdam so Kroymans (where the car was bought) can fix the problem. Just worried how long I´ll have the have the car in the shop.

Br Henrik

 

Hello Again. It was the yellow arrow on the last picture where they showed me the wiggle. What is the name of that component?

Big Thx

 

The steering tie-rod end (yellow) mounts quite low on the front knuckle, but that's because the front-mounted steering rack (green) is positioned quite low on the front subframe. There's lots of steering rigidity here; the steering rack itself is hard-mounted to the front subframe, which in turn is hard-mounted to the chassis.

BTW, The photo and description are from this 2012 post on Edmunds.com. It is a detailed inspection of the Karma's suspension system with many photographs and great commentary. It may be worth a casual read if you are interested in the Karma's systems.

 

Hi Henrik,

I had my car inspected today, and I got exactly the same fault as you indicated in your post, wiggle where the yellow arrow points (outer tie-rod end). However, seeing the comments from Harleyguy, inner rods are more common fault.

In your case, what was the conclusion on the fault, and what was replaced?

 

Hi,

Well, it seems like this is a common problem in the nordic countries. I was today for the yearly inspection and guess what, I too got a notice of the exact same problem on the right wheel. There is a play and it's the outer tie-rod end.

HarleyGuy: Do you have that part available for purchase?

Thanks in advance

 

PM answered

 

Hi fellows,

The part I think is being asked for here (the one I need) is the steering tie rod end outer position. Upon searching, I have found that the part is manufactured by Deeza.

http://www.deezachassis.com/catalog.html

Partnumber is CD-T103 and it's specially manufactured for the Fisker Karma.

Can anybody help me to get that part, I need two, will change both sides. I need to fix the car within 30 days to get it pass inspection, so I can enjoy it during the summer again.

Thanks again.

 

Hi fellows,

The part I think is being asked for here (the one I need) is the steering tie rod end outer position. Upon searching, I have found that the part is manufactured by Deeza.

http://www.deezachassis.com/catalog.html

Partnumber is CD-T103 and it's specially manufactured for the Fisker Karma.

Can anybody help me to get that part, I need two, will change both sides. I need to fix the car within 30 days to get it pass inspection, so I can enjoy it during the summer again.

Thanks again.

You can get that from @FiskerPhilly

part number C131120112001 I believe

 

Got the car passed inspection today with two new tie rod end outer installed, front wheel alignment plus two new summer tires. The car drives like a charm.

Thanks Joe for getting the tie rod parts out quickly, appriciated.

 

It's normal. Alex Pop at Elite Motors OC has upgraded bushings available.

 

I just spoke to Alex and he will send the set to The Netherlands. The original bushings are probably to lightly engineered for the weight of the car. The patented modified bushings didn’t need to be replaced until now in contrast to new wheel arms...

 

Yesterday the front control arm bushings were replaced by a local mechanic and all four wheels were aligned. The mechanic needed at least three hours to press and hammer the old bushings out and put the new bushings from Alex Pop in. I hope my new tires will last longer now with the alignement. The bushings probably will not need a replacement anymore.

This method saved me at least € 1500 incl. taxes, because my Fisker service center advised me to change both control arms that would cost me in total around € 3000 without labour… and after 80.000 km again… and after 80.000 km again etc.

Thanks Alex!

For your information.

Bart

 

Found them...both front and rear. Thanks.

 

Where did you order them from?