Originally Posted By: DoubleDee
I had the thread about the "coincidence" of the axle seal going after a recent switch to Amsoil SV. Well, I had the dealership to the work under warranty as they had to also replace a hub bearing. Since they had supposedly topped off the Amsoil with their oil until the seal came in, I planned on a drain and fill with all Severe Gear. So I drained the front differential today and this is what was in the pan
Drain pan
Which translated into 7 oz of what should have been 1.7 pints.
7 oz of fluid
And I had this nice leftover stash of metal,
metal shavings
This differential was just drained about 3 weeks prior.
Since this is a RECENT OCCURRENCE, you NEED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION to CYA. Hopefully, you saved the oil you drained from the front differential and also the metal shavings you've shown in the pictures.... THIS IS YOUR PROOF of the DEALER SCREW-UP. If you still have these, turn a small sample of the oil/lube in for a FULL UOA on it, but retain as much as possible. If you've already discarded it, then you may be SOL as far as PROOF is concerned. Try to get the UOA to determine the 'type' of lube provided as a sample too. The pictures may help, but not as much PROOF as the actual oil and metal particles would be.
You need to contact the dealer 'hotline' phone number and also file an 'official complaint' with them on this matter. Try to also see the mfg. 'area representative' about this issue. At the minimum, they should give you an 'extended warranty' on that front differential.... and at best results, they should have to replace the front axle assy (since the outer axle bearings were getting NO LUBRICATION if it was that low), but AT MINIMUM, they should be made to replace the differential assy and axle bearings WHETHER THEY SHOW OBVIOUS DAMAGE OR NOT.
If you don't RAISE A RUCKUS about it, they will simply blow you off and hope that it will last till the warranty expires. Believe me, if something happens later.... you'll find that the 'notation they made' was probably CONVENIENTLY LOST.... and then it's your word against theirs. If phone calls don't work, send 'certified letters' with COPIES of your pictures enclosed. Keep a 'log' and document all phone calls, names, and times of any conversations regarding this issue. A 'paper trail' is essential if 'legal issues' later evolve.
Do you have a copy of the 'work order' that this work was accomplished under? Always get a copy of ANY WORK done by a dealer, ESPECIALLY UNDER WARRANTY, that is done to your vehicle. Believe me, THEY WILL TRY NOT TO PROVIDE ONE TO YOU.... at least that was my own experience several years back when they damaged a drive shaft (improper lift operation) when replacing a 'cracked' rear wheel bearing in my Dodge 4WD 'PowerWagon' pickup. I contacted Chrysler Customer Service and they had the 'area rep' contact me. I finally got the whole front driveshaft, u-joints, and both yokes replaced. The fact that I was a certified ASE-CMAT really helped me since they couldn't really dispute my 'qualifications' on assessing 'potential damage'. The driveshaft had a 6" kink/bend in it from the lift hitting it when they raised the vehicle to service the rear axle. I saw the 'damage' before I even accepted the vehicle.
Remember, "The squeaky wheel gets the oil.".... RAISE HECK!!!!
