mwilk012
Well-Known Member
No, you’re being stubborn. Dealerships are absolute trash.You're missing the point.
Sponsored
No, you’re being stubborn. Dealerships are absolute trash.You're missing the point.
surely someone checked to see what type of fluid it is. Right?The last thread I read where a guy had this issue, it turned out to be the plastic oil filter housing gasket was leaking and the oil was dripping onto, and dripping off of the front diff.
I'm missing something here. Why don't you try to find the source of the leaking fluid yourself, instead of going back and forth to the dealer? Should be very easy to drive it up to temp, park it. Put a clean white paper under it, check it from time to time and once it starts leaking, carefully trace it to the source. It is likely something simple like a plug or hose fitting or gasket.
Also, put that Jeep in 4HI (wheels straight) to spin that front diff. Try 4LO and lockers, make sure all works well with no noise.
Techs prob gets 0.2hr time to work on it. They need to do something get it out, get paid. If they spend 15 min on it they are losing money. Sad, but true, find the source yourself.
The last thread I read where a guy had this issue, it turned out to be the plastic oil filter housing gasket was leaking and the oil was dripping onto, and dripping off of the front diff.
No, I'm being persistent because I should get what I pay for. If you bought a new washing machine and it didn't fill with water would you just start tearing it apart? I don't think so...Dealerships are supposed to be filled with ASME certified technicians (the best of the best). There is no excuse for all of the issues I've encountered (many more than just diff fluid).No, you’re being stubborn. Dealerships are absolute trash.
I gave them a paper towel soaked sample just to make it easier for them.surely someone checked to see what type of fluid it is. Right?
There are no ASE certified techs working on a differential fluid leak.No, I'm being persistent because I should get what I pay for. If you bought a new washing machine and it didn't fill with water would you just start tearing it apart? I don't think so...Dealerships are supposed to be filled with ASME certified technicians (the best of the best). There is no excuse for all of the issues I've encountered (many more than just diff fluid).
What did it smell like?I gave them a paper towel soaked sample just to make it easier for them.
This is actually a great question. I put on new diff covers last weekend and it stunk up the garage. Is there sulphur in it?What did it smell like?
Yes. Differential fluid has quite a bit of sulfur.This is actually a great question. I put on new diff covers last weekend and it stunk up the garage. Is there sulphur in it?
No, I'm being persistent because I should get what I pay for. If you bought a new washing machine and it didn't fill with water would you just start tearing it apart? I don't think so...Dealerships are supposed to be filled with ASME certified technicians (the best of the best). There is no excuse for all of the issues I've encountered (many more than just diff fluid).
Some years ago, my brother in law had the engine on his Harley dresser replaced under warranty. He noticed both legs of his jeans were lightly coated in engine oil after a particular ride. The dealer's service dept. determined that the rear cylinder had a porous casting from the factory. After the engine reached operating temperature, the porosity was just sufficient to maintain proper oil pressure, while concurrently allowing that pressure to slowly force a fine mist of oil through the cylinder. The replacement engine solved everything.After looking at it for a day the service person called me and said (get this) "The axle is too porous...we'll have to order you a new axle and have it replaced".
Now I may not know everything about Jeep maintenance but this is the first time I've ever heard that an axle was "...too porous". Sounds like they either stripped out the drain plug or they're running an elaborate warranty scam.
That sounds completely insane but I’m sure that will probably fix it.UPDATE: So, I took my poor Rubicon back to the dealer service center AGAIN on Thursday 9/23/2021 to address the front differential leak issue for the third time (Trip #21). After looking at it for a day the service person called me and said (get this) "The axle is too porous...we'll have to order you a new axle and have it replaced". Now I may not know everything about Jeep maintenance but this is the first time I've ever heard that an axle was "...too porous". Sounds like they either stripped out the drain plug or they're running an elaborate warranty scam.
I would consider taking my vehicle to another service center, but the next closest one is an hour away.
Thanks James, I really just thought this was something they made up to cover their tracks...Some years ago, my brother in law had the engine on his Harley dresser replaced under warranty. He noticed both legs of his jeans were lightly coated in engine oil after a particular ride. The dealer's service dept. determined that the rear cylinder had a porous casting from the factory. After the engine reached operating temperature, the porosity was just sufficient to maintain proper oil pressure, while concurrently allowing that pressure to slowly force a fine mist of oil through the cylinder. The replacement engine solved everything.
So, if it had me that was told that my Jeep had a porous axle, I'd probably go along with it. This is doubly true if the warranty would seamlessly cover all parts & labor expenses. (I say this respectfully, Scott; I don't mean to make light of the time you've invested in this matter.)
Hi Benny,I think when jeep began selling $70k wranglers they lost their original target audience. Some new jeep owners (I'm not kocking on the OP, but it is kindof humerous) are not the types who enjoy being on their backs of a garage floor looking up at the underside of their $70k jeep that is leaking with hand prints on the diff cover . My dad and nephew kindof fit those categories... one is 76 yrs old and the other is 27 yrs old. One is a little too old to crawl on their backs... the other just doesn't want to. I won't judge too harshly though, but did laugh at reading about the sloppy diff cover with hand prints and the concern over it.
I also can appreciate the frustration at a bad service dealership not resolving a simple issue. I'd keep searching for a different dealer if I had that experience.
But if you do decide to crawl under your jeep more, remember that Jeep wranglers are one of the more pleasurable vehicles to work on from home. I look forward to it, like mowing or caring for a yard.