Dealer rip-off

[WrangleDangle]

2020 Wrangler JLUR, 3.6L, 8 speed auto, 33,000 miles.

I was at the dealer today for my Wave service. (Oil and filter change).

I was told that I needed to have both differentials flushed as the oil was black. $189.95 for each axle.
This Rubicon has lockers, and I don't know if that makes it harder on the oil. I've used the lockers twice.
Does this sound like a ripoff?

Also, they tell me that I need induction service for $219.95.

Lastly, they tell me I need a brake flush for $189.95.

I appreciate any thoughts on this. I would guess I don't need any of it, please help.

Thanks,

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[2manyhobbies]

I’ll comment on the differentials. I will start by saying that I am a believer in preventive maintenance. I also do things myself because I have the tools and a garage.

I haven’t bought gear oil in a while, but I’m guessing $30-$45 per axle. All you need is a 3/8” drive ratchet (an extension helps), and a drain pan. Should take 5-10 minutes per axle to drain, reinstall plug, and refill. This is how long it took me on my 2JKs.

The locker won’t cause the oil to be need to be changed any faster, It’s mostly from towing or lots of city driving.

I have never flushed brake fluid outside of replacing a caliper. That sounds like BS to me. And I don’t even know what that other service is.

 

[SH556JL]

I’m not sure what induction service is. But the other two is about normal dealer pricing, both are very easy to do yourself in little time and for little expense. It’s about normal time for these services, check owners manual for clarification. Diff service and brake flush is all worthwhile preventive maintenance.

I would change the diff fluid earlier if they have been underwater at any point.

 

[mini_cal]

Brake flush is part of routine maintenance but they are charging a lot for a simple procedure. You could buy the brake fluid you need and a vacuum brake bleeder tool to do it yourself for cheaper.

As for the induction service - that is a complete ripoff. You have a 3.6L motor that uses port injection. Your intake valves dont need to be cleaned this early. Throttle body and fuel injectors can be cleaned later on.

Sounds like they are just trying to pile on services and make some money

 

[somedude922]

Oh boy……

 

[BlackGenesis]

Induction cleaning is maybe beneficial at 80k on MPI engine.

Brake flush - during second brake job....usually 60 - 80k mi.

Dif fluids, change them.

 

[mwilk012]

"you can do it yourself for cheaper"
no shit

 

[mwilk012]

Sure but there's more context to it than that.

There’s no context that results in the conclusion that someone else owes you their labor.

 

[mwilk012]

That wasn't the conclusion. At least not mine Maybe others were suggesting that, if so I agree with you. More than happy to pay market labor rate if the quality of the workmanship is stood behind.

BUT, my primary conclusion from my experience, and likely what the OP was experiencing, was a dealer that was recommending services at the wrong interval and going against the service manual, and then claiming it was required. I have a problem with that.

The service manual is inadequate. Try lubricating caliper slides at the interval suggested by the service manual while living in NY. Calipers won’t last 5 years.

Service manual for example says you never need to service the transmission. The manufacturer disagrees.

 

[guarnibl]

The service manual is inadequate. Try lubricating caliper slides at the interval suggested by the service manual while living in NY. Calipers won’t last 5 years.

Service manual for example says you never need to service the transmission. The manufacturer disagrees.

I deleted my posts as I don't think they were helpful and I was triggered by my bad dealership experience which was very different than the OP's, but the induction service was the trigger for me.

Brake service/diff fluid changes seem normal as do the prices. That induction service though -- I'm skeptical on that one still.

 

[mwilk012]

I deleted my posts as I don't think they were helpful and I was triggered by my bad dealership experience which was very different than the OP's, but the induction service was the trigger for me.

Brake service/diff fluid changes seem normal as do the prices. That induction service though -- I'm skeptical on that one still.

Depending on the chemical and exact procedure used, it’s very effective at clearing carbon buildup on throttle plates, valves, and cleaning injectors.

 

[guarnibl]

Depending on the chemical and exact procedure used, it’s very effective at clearing carbon buildup on throttle plates, valves, and cleaning injectors.

Is this something worth doing at that mileage? Let's assume it's effective as a treatment when used.

 

[Avar928]

My dealership tried to do the same to me after my first few changes, it's a complete rip-off. The service representative explained the cost for the differentials was they needed to remove the cover, clean everything inside and then reform the gasket and let it cure. Unlike the JK series, the JLs have re-usable gaskets so they didn't know what they were talking about or justify the price based on my supposed ignorance.

I would just drop and refill. The rear diff oil will be extremely dark but that's normal, fronts may still be clear. Every time I've checked (every 15k or so) the fronts have been clear, rear very dark. A full clean will be easy as well, just need lots of ventilation and brake kleen.

 

[Strommen95]

Never forget that the service manager works on commission too..

 

[kingpinJL]

Flushes are bullshit. just change the fluid(s) based on the manufacturer reccomended intervals.

I used to work for a large dealership group. The CEO himself wouldn't allow the service departments to push flushes, because, and i quote, "flushes are bullshit".

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