Dealership Warranty Repair Issues

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ThePreacher666

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Hey everyone,

Two weeks ago I took my truck in for an oil change and the dealership found play in my right side axle shaft during their free multi-point inspection. My truck was still covered by the power-train warranty so I let them proceed with the repair. They also ended up replacing the front differential which was the root of the issue, according to them.

I drove the truck off after they repaired it and immediately noticed issues with steering and going over bumps resulted in the entire front of the truck violently being clunked side to side. I managed to get it home only to find out that they forgot to bolt the tie rods back onto the wheels...

I had the dealership tow it back. The dealership was floored, they couldn't believe it blah blah. My girlfriend was in the truck with me and we were both scared we'd lose control of the wheels. It was a nerve racking ride home. The dealership claimed they inspected the truck and they drove it 3-4 miles and didn't notice any issues.

They took care of the tie rods and did an alignment and for about two days the truck ran smoothly. On the third day, I noticed that there is a high pitched metallic rotating humming noise coming from the front of the truck. It is noticeable above 45 mph and gets louder with speed. I promptly brought the truck back again right before close on July 3rd, so I am expecting something back from them today about it.

Among other things, I am extremely frustrated and I just want my truck back in working order. I had ZERO issues before I brought it in and they did the repair. I have little faith they are going to identify the issue and fix it. I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can help me in identifying the sound too (see youtube link).

What options do I have here? I intend to push the dealer as far as I can because they completely messed my truck up. If things go south, should I seek legal council? This truck is my only vehicle and I still have a couple years of payments on it.

One more thing to note, I do have Bilstein 5100s leveling out my truck. I am thinking they'll blame it on that.

Thanks everyone, I am hoping this all gets sorted out.


20190629_193735.jpg
 

hemili8r

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Hey everyone,

Two weeks ago I took my truck in for an oil change and the dealership found play in my right side axle shaft during their free multi-point inspection. My truck was still covered by the power-train warranty so I let them proceed with the repair. They also ended up replacing the front differential which was the root of the issue, according to them.

I drove the truck off after they repaired it and immediately noticed issues with steering and going over bumps resulted in the entire front of the truck violently being clunked side to side. I managed to get it home only to find out that they forgot to bolt the tie rods back onto the wheels...

I had the dealership tow it back. The dealership was floored, they couldn't believe it blah blah. My girlfriend was in the truck with me and we were both scared we'd lose control of the wheels. It was a nerve racking ride home. The dealership claimed they inspected the truck and they drove it 3-4 miles and didn't notice any issues.

They took care of the tie rods and did an alignment and for about two days the truck ran smoothly. On the third day, I noticed that there is a high pitched metallic rotating humming noise coming from the front of the truck. It is noticeable above 45 mph and gets louder with speed. I promptly brought the truck back again right before close on July 3rd, so I am expecting something back from them today about it.

Among other things, I am extremely frustrated and I just want my truck back in working order. I had ZERO issues before I brought it in and they did the repair. I have little faith they are going to identify the issue and fix it. I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can help me in identifying the sound too (see youtube link).

What options do I have here? I intend to push the dealer as far as I can because they completely messed my truck up. If things go south, should I seek legal council? This truck is my only vehicle and I still have a couple years of payments on it.

One more thing to note, I do have Bilstein 5100s leveling out my truck. I am thinking they'll blame it on that.

Thanks everyone, I am hoping this all gets sorted out.


View attachment 172200
Sounds like they are idiots and may not even notice the leveling kit...before I lifted my truck I also had a leveling kit and what was noticed just a year and half after getting it levelled as they were installing the lift noticed both upper control arms were shot. It's not good for the truck

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HammerHead

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You can forget about the leveling kit; you and your woman could have been killed. Big Picture! I’d sue their ass, even if they make good on repairs. And I use the fact they put your lives in danger to be Sure the truck is repaired. I’m sorry, you endanger my woman’s life you deserve to held responsible.
Document, document, document!!! Photos, videos and paperwork.
Good luck sir.
 

HammerHead

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FYI don’t sign anything if you haven’t already. Usually in situations like this where the dealership knows they were at fault will try and slip/trick you into signing documentation that removes them from liability.
 

HammerHead

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Hey everyone,

Two weeks ago I took my truck in for an oil change and the dealership found play in my right side axle shaft during their free multi-point inspection. My truck was still covered by the power-train warranty so I let them proceed with the repair. They also ended up replacing the front differential which was the root of the issue, according to them.

I drove the truck off after they repaired it and immediately noticed issues with steering and going over bumps resulted in the entire front of the truck violently being clunked side to side. I managed to get it home only to find out that they forgot to bolt the tie rods back onto the wheels...

I had the dealership tow it back. The dealership was floored, they couldn't believe it blah blah. My girlfriend was in the truck with me and we were both scared we'd lose control of the wheels. It was a nerve racking ride home. The dealership claimed they inspected the truck and they drove it 3-4 miles and didn't notice any issues.

They took care of the tie rods and did an alignment and for about two days the truck ran smoothly. On the third day, I noticed that there is a high pitched metallic rotating humming noise coming from the front of the truck. It is noticeable above 45 mph and gets louder with speed. I promptly brought the truck back again right before close on July 3rd, so I am expecting something back from them today about it.

Among other things, I am extremely frustrated and I just want my truck back in working order. I had ZERO issues before I brought it in and they did the repair. I have little faith they are going to identify the issue and fix it. I'd greatly appreciate if anyone can help me in identifying the sound too (see youtube link).

What options do I have here? I intend to push the dealer as far as I can because they completely messed my truck up. If things go south, should I seek legal council? This truck is my only vehicle and I still have a couple years of payments on it.

One more thing to note, I do have Bilstein 5100s leveling out my truck. I am thinking they'll blame it on that.

Thanks everyone, I am hoping this all gets sorted out.


View attachment 172200
Sounds like they forgot to re-fill the front diff to me.
 
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ThePreacher666

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This was Quirk Dodge in Marshfield, MA. I've now driven with the mechanics twice to replicate the metallic noise described above (they called me down twice saying it couldn't be replicated) only for me to get in the drivers seat and sure enough there it is. They claim to have checked the front diff multiple times and say it has fluid in it, but after my visit down today I told them at this point they need to disassemble and replace everything again because clearly the mechanic who did the first shoddy repair job had no idea what he was doing.

Thanks for the replies everyone! I am going to keep on them to make sure this gets made right.
 
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ThePreacher666

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Hey guys,

Figured you may want an update. The dealership has assured me that what I am hearing is the new front differential and that the noise will go away after it wears in. They swear up and down they've been all over it and nothing is wrong.
 

buddy guy

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i hope thats true. i didn't hear any noises from my differential when it was new. i'd be sceptical. but i'm not a mechanic. but i hope they are right.
 
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ThePreacher666

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I didn't either, and that is why I am skeptical. One would think new parts shouldn't make noise.
 

6.7CumminsDrvr

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You shouldn’t hear anything from the front diff. Even in 2wd it’s spinning but here is no load on the gear set or pinion............

Should not be making noise, especially factory gears or a whole new diff!
 

buddy guy

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for what it's worth. never heard such a thing but:

New Gear Break-In Procedure
All new gear sets require a break-in period to prevent damage from overheating. Any overloading or over-heating will cause the gear oil to break down and cause undue stress to the ring & pinion gears. Please follow these guidelines to insure proper break-in:

  • After light use for the first 15-20 miles, stop and let the differential cool before proceeding any further.
    • Repeat this process two or three times.
    • The gears run hotter than normal during the break-in process and require two or three heat-cycles to ensure proper performance and life expectancy.
  • Avoid heavy acceleration and don't do any towing during the first 500 miles.
    • If you plan to do any towing following the initial 500 miles, then tow for a short distance (about 15 miles) and then stop to let the differential cool for 10-15 mins. Then resume your trip as planned.
    • If you've already put in over 1,000 miles on the new differential, then the diff is already broken in. Feel free to tow as normal.
  • We highly recommend changing the oil after the first 500 miles. This will remove any metal particles or phosphorus coating that has come from the new gear set and bearings.

This may seem unnecessary but it is very easy to damage the differential by loading it before the gear set is completely broken in. The greatest damage results when a new ring & pinion has been run very hot before the gears are fully broken-in.

Any heavy use or overloading during the first 500 miles will cause irreparable damage to the gear set that can be determined by inspection of the gear set and will void the warranty.
 
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ThePreacher666

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Thanks for the replies guys, it just confirms the dealer has no idea what they're talking about. I've got almost 500 miles on the new diff now and I haven't done any towing or heavy lifting so far. It was nearly immediate after driving it off the lot post repair.
 

buddy guy

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i guess if it keeps up and if you can find a mechanic who is good at differential stuff, it might be worth paying him to get his objective opinion. keep the receipt, take it to the dealer with written info from the mechanic about the issue. sadly, sometimes you have to point the way.
 
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ThePreacher666

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Last edited:

HammerHead

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Gezzzzz this dealership is completely incompetent. Listening to the video you can clearly hear the front gears meshing together and are obviously WAY to tight. In 2wd the front gears spin but aren’t under load. You can hear them spinning. If you can hear them they were setup to tight. The sound is why I originally thought it might be dry with no fluid.
I would try a thicker gear old, 75w140! Might help.
Good luck and keep up posted.
 

huntergreen

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Gezzzzz this dealership is completely incompetent. Listening to the video you can clearly hear the front gears meshing together and are obviously WAY to tight. In 2wd the front gears spin but aren’t under load. You can hear them spinning. If you can hear them they were setup to tight. The sound is why I originally thought it might be dry with no fluid.
I would try a thicker gear old, 75w140! Might help.
Good luck and keep up posted.



NO !!!!!! Don't change the fluid. Don't let anyone touch this other than the dealer. They will use this to place the blame on preacher and void his warranty.
 

buddy guy

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NO !!!!!! Don't change the fluid. Don't let anyone touch this other than the dealer. They will use this to place the blame on preacher and void his warranty.

good point. and on my other suggestion i am not recommending he have the independent shop if he goes that route do anything but give a diagnostic. no repair, no bandaid.
 

huntergreen

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Thanks for the replies guys, it just confirms the dealer has no idea what they're talking about. I've got almost 500 miles on the new diff now and I haven't done any towing or heavy lifting so far. It was nearly immediate after driving it off the lot post repair.




You might want to contact Ramcares on the forum.
 
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