June 2021 – Shop A replaces the pinion seal on the front Dana 30 (4.88 gears no locker) with the one I provided them Spicer 44895. Weeks after install I have some interactions with Shop A that gave me the feeling that I need to find a new mechanic. A month later I find out my friend with an LJ had unsatisfactory work done by Shop A as well.
December 2021 – I discover the front pinion seal has a very slow leak.
July 2022 – I take the Jeep to a highly recommended place I’ll call Shop B. By this point I’ve brought 3 vehicles to Shop B and have been satisfied with their work. The Jeep is at Shop B to have the pinion seal replaced. Shop B states that Shop A severely over torqued the yoke to the point the yoke is damaged and needs replacing. New yoke, crush sleeve plus install. Parts $189.12 / Labor $862.50 total $1,079.52
December 2022 – I discover front pinion seal is leaking and take it back to Shop B. Shop B is blaming the pinion seal leak on the front drive shaft hitting the transfer case skid plate. I became aware of this issue a year ago, when drooping the driver side wheel, the front drive shaft will make contact with the skid plate. I’ve got three problems with the explanation. One, since the July 2022 repair I’ve not flexed out nor given it any abuse like I normally do. If I had been out wheeling and doing my usual stuff I’d probably buy that explanation. Two, when I went up to Shop B to speak with the mechanic, he had it on the lift and stated it is fully drooped. I pointed out that he had not disconnected the swaybar links and when he does he’ll find it will droop a lot more. Three, the mechanic stated something like “I’m going to go over it really good this time. I'm going to check the backlash and everything” I’m thinking for $862.50 in labor he should have gone over it really good the first time.
I feel Shop B didn’t do the work correctly. I’m trying to obtain as much information as possible so I can clearly speak to the owner about my disagreement with his mechanic.
What are your thoughts?
December 2021 – I discover the front pinion seal has a very slow leak.
July 2022 – I take the Jeep to a highly recommended place I’ll call Shop B. By this point I’ve brought 3 vehicles to Shop B and have been satisfied with their work. The Jeep is at Shop B to have the pinion seal replaced. Shop B states that Shop A severely over torqued the yoke to the point the yoke is damaged and needs replacing. New yoke, crush sleeve plus install. Parts $189.12 / Labor $862.50 total $1,079.52
December 2022 – I discover front pinion seal is leaking and take it back to Shop B. Shop B is blaming the pinion seal leak on the front drive shaft hitting the transfer case skid plate. I became aware of this issue a year ago, when drooping the driver side wheel, the front drive shaft will make contact with the skid plate. I’ve got three problems with the explanation. One, since the July 2022 repair I’ve not flexed out nor given it any abuse like I normally do. If I had been out wheeling and doing my usual stuff I’d probably buy that explanation. Two, when I went up to Shop B to speak with the mechanic, he had it on the lift and stated it is fully drooped. I pointed out that he had not disconnected the swaybar links and when he does he’ll find it will droop a lot more. Three, the mechanic stated something like “I’m going to go over it really good this time. I'm going to check the backlash and everything” I’m thinking for $862.50 in labor he should have gone over it really good the first time.
I feel Shop B didn’t do the work correctly. I’m trying to obtain as much information as possible so I can clearly speak to the owner about my disagreement with his mechanic.
What are your thoughts?
