Dealership is screwing me

[NoYellowSnow]

Hi all,

I hoping to get some advice on how to proceed.

My truck developed a growl/moan from the rear end and I had a gut feeling that it was related to one or both recalls that were serviced on back in 2015. I brought the truck back to the dealer to have them inspect the recall work and the noise and they stated that there were no problems with the work they did, but that both of the rear axle bearings were shot and needed to be replaced on my dime (estimate was a little over $1,000).

I told them not to do any work and brought the truck to my mechanic. He diagnosed that the diff fluid was extremely low and caused improper lubrication of the bearings. The dealer did not even properly inspect the diff as the plate cover was not removed and they didn't even bother to pull the plug and check the fluid level. They did not report any leaks and I haven't seen any signs of leakage so the tech doing the recall work back in 2015 must not of filled to the proper level.

I'm beyond furious. The service rep keeps trying to say that its normal wear and tear. My truck does have 112,000 miles on it but I've never owned a vehicle that have the axle bearings go bad.

I've already called Mopar Customer Care with my complaint but all they did was call the dealership and take their word that they didn't screw up.

I can't shake the feeling that i'm getting boned here. Do I have any options? Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[amm24dmb]

I wonder if you can get something in writing from your mechanic. Maybe even get a couple other mechanics opinions and start to “build a case” against the dealer. If it’s just your hunch against them you won’t get anywhere. I would keep fighting it.

 

[NoYellowSnow]

I'm going to collect as much documentation as I can. Even then, I'm sure they'll just say they aren't liable as I've had an outside party touch it. Bothers me to no end to pay for their screw up.

Thanks for the reply

 

[grizzstang]

Unfortunately it will be tough to prove. Even if your mechanic will put it in writing FCA will side with the dealer. Get your mechanic to fix them with new seals and move on. It shouldn't be that expensive and it is not an uncommon failure in higher mileage vehicles. Maybe they don't fail as often on Rams, I am not sure, this is my first Ram but it was pretty common on F150's.

 

[yoda]

That as 3 years ago, you haven't checked you diffy fluid in 3 years?

 

[Black W900]

That as 3 years ago, you haven't checked you diffy fluid in 3 years?

That was the only thing that I got from his post.
I change both diff's and the transfer case every year, so it is a mystery to me why someone wouldn't even check the levels in 3 years!

 

[NoYellowSnow]

Had a multi point inspection done while there for a door latch recall in Jan 2017 and another one from the most recent visit. Both have the green boxes checked off on all bottomside fluids.

 

[Tach_tech]

What recalls did you have done? I’m assuming one was the left axle shaft, what was the other one?

 

[NoYellowSnow]

Don't see anything about the left axle shaft.

N08- to inspect the rear axle pinion nut
K36- "A REAR AXLE PINION BEARING FLUID DRAIN-BACK FLOW RESTRICTOR AND NEW AXLE COVER WITH A REVISED FLUID FILL LEVEL ACCESS HOLE MUST BE INSTALLED" -thinking this is where things went south.

 

[steven_sbs]

This is easy.... Have your mechanic do the repair. Pay for it. Then file a small claims case against the dealership for their negligence when doing the recall service and doing the fluid checks for the past three years. Be sure to bring to court all of your evidence and your certified mechanic as an expert witness who will testify in court under oath that the dealer was at fault. You can't testify that it was the dealers fault. You are not a mechanic or expert. Make sure your expert witness has all the evidence they need and you get your repair cost back. It's that simple.

OR...

Pay for the repair at your mechanic's shop and move on with life. Don't use the dealer again. Is it really worth the time, aggravation, and hassle to argue a loosing case against the dealer? I'm willing to bet you have better things to do.

 

[Tach_tech]

Don't see anything about the left axle shaft.

N08- to inspect the rear axle pinion nut
K36- "A REAR AXLE PINION BEARING FLUID DRAIN-BACK FLOW RESTRICTOR AND NEW AXLE COVER WITH A REVISED FLUID FILL LEVEL ACCESS HOLE MUST BE INSTALLED" -thinking this is where things went south.

It’s entirely possible they didn’t put enough fluid in it when doing the K36, but you’re going to have a hard time proving it. How low was it? Did your mechanic measure how much came out?

 

[NoYellowSnow]

first thing he tried was filling it to proper level to see if noise went away. It took a liter or just shy of a quart but the bearings are too far gone.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately it seems I'll have to eat this one.

 

[huntergreen]

That sucks.

 

[gofishn]

This is easy.... Have your mechanic do the repair. Pay for it. Then file a small claims case against the dealership for their negligence when doing the recall service and doing the fluid checks for the past three years. Be sure to bring to court all of your evidence and your certified mechanic as an expert witness who will testify in court under oath that the dealer was at fault. You can't testify that it was the dealers fault. You are not a mechanic or expert. Make sure your expert witness has all the evidence they need and you get your repair cost back. It's that simple.

OR...

Pay for the repair at your mechanic's shop and move on with life. Don't use the dealer again. Is it really worth the time, aggravation, and hassle to argue a loosing case against the dealer? I'm willing to bet you have better things to do.

What he said!

More than likely, the dealer will not even show up at the hearing. too rinky dink for him to bother.

Also, google the dealer, see f anyoen has posted reviews and post yours. put as much info, online, as you can , to as many varying sources as you can.

Inform others to save them the headache you currently have.

 

[Railhead_Ed]

I had to have new bearings installed in mine at about that same mileage. 2009 Laramie 1500 2WD.

 

[marks146]

That as 3 years ago, you haven't checked you diffy fluid in 3 years?

Without a leak, could diff oil evaporate?

 

[Ramnewbie]

Without a leak, could diff oil evaporate?

I wouldn't say it's impossible, but highly unlikely. I've never had to top one of mine off after a proper fill.

 

[baum]

All

Without a leak, could diff oil evaporate?

All it takes is a slow leak. One were you wouldnt even notice.

Dealers only warranty the "fixes" even from re-calls for 12mo/12k miles. If you did it over 3 years ago you stand no ground.

what many people dont understand is bearings have a life span. keep in mind that a bearing that size makes approx 10k revolutions per mile you drive.

 

[NoYellowSnow]

Got an update from my mechanic. He replaced both rear axle bearings and seals but the noise is still there so now we're onto the pinion bearing and could be a complete rebuild. Hopefully not.

Let this be a lesson to those who don't check their diff fluid level!

 

[Davejat]

Keep bugging Cuxtomer Service trying to get DEF SYS recalled $5,000 in repairs on 54,000 mie 3500 Ram