Rear differential at 13.6k miles?

[Synergy]

As many of you know, I recently picked up a 2006 Viper with 13.6k miles. I didn't have a chance to drive it down in Ohio as it was snowing when I was there . I noticed right away when I was able to drive it in NY that there was a straining noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when turning. I discovered there may be an extended warranty on the vehicle that expires FEB 2013 so I brought it up to Smith Haven Chrysler Jeep Dodge to have an oil change and multi point inspection performed earlier today. I pointed the noise out to the service advisor and Viper tech on board and right away they told me it could be the rear differential.

My question is, if it turns out to be a rear differential at such early mileage (even though it's a 2006), will Dodge participate in repairs if it's not a warranty related issue? I'm a service advisor at Nardy Honda where if a car with similar stats as this, Honda will play a huge part in repair costs to help the customer. Now I know we're comparing apples to oranges, but has anybody had an experience like this where Dodge has stepped in on such a situation?

Still waiting to hear back as of right now, but will keep you guys posted! Thanks!

 

[Steve M]

1. Did you pay to have that warranty transferred to your name?
2. What kind of warranty was it (MaxCare, aftermarket, etc.)?

The Gen III differential is not known for its strength, so hopefully you don't have broken spider gears (there's a build thread in this section by cowger that shows what that looks like).

 

[Timnineside]

I am interested to see where this goes. I have heard a bit of straining noise from my Gen 4 but seems more like Power steering???

GL. I know if you have Maxcare it should be completly covered minus your deductible. FYI get that changed over ASAP. They will NOT cover anything otherwise.

-Tim

 

[gb66gth]

Does it happen when you a turning, at low speeds, at low or moderate throttle?
If so have your rear diff fluid changed, trust me.

 

[01sapphirebob]

Does it happen when you a turning, at low speeds, at low or moderate throttle?
If so have your rear diff fluid changed, trust me.

This. The fluid should be changed and make sure they add the friction modifier.

 

[04MambaNYC]

Bring to Tator, call it a day.

 

[98intrigue]

Does it happen when you a turning, at low speeds, at low or moderate throttle?
If so have your rear diff fluid changed, trust me.

Did the same thing for me when I bought my car. Changed the fluid and added the modifier...no more noises!

 

[Synergy]

Yes it does! Just picked the car up. Car looks good, but the differential needs to be rebult. Worst case $3800.00 + tax depending how bad it is (only know when the diff is dropped). All I have to say is... WOW!

I'm suprised they didn't recommend to replace the diff fluid first to see if it's as simple as that. Hmmm....

Does it happen when you a turning, at low speeds, at low or moderate throttle?
If so have your rear diff fluid changed, trust me.

 

[Bobpantax]

If it is a stock 2006 diff, do not have it rebuilt. If it was still under warranty, they would replace it with the Gen IV diff which is far superior. Price a Gen IV diff through VPA or Partsrack and see what it will cost you. Swapping out the diff is not a tough job.

 

[04MambaNYC]

Because they don't know what they are doing. Thats all.

 

[Lespauldude]

Yes it does! Just picked the car up. Car looks good, but the differential needs to be rebult. Best case will be $2100.00 + tax... worst case $3800.00 + tax depending how bad it is (only know when the diff is dropped). All I have to say is... WOW!

I'm suprised they didn't recommend to replace the diff fluid first to see if it's as simple as that. Hmmm....

Oh Boy!! It is most likely simply a diff fluid/friction modifier change. It's a common symptom. You would have been better off bringing it to Huntington Chrysler Jeep. I personally know the Viper Tech there as well as a few of the other guys. In fact, my 09 vert has 7,500 miles on it and I am relpacing the diff fluid this week (myself). Chuck Tator mentioned to me that it should be changed sooner than what the owners manual states. I too, get that groaning sound when turning at very low speed.

Scott

 

[Garron]

Change the fluid and add the correct Chrysler additive. Do 8 circles left and 8 right. The additive breaks down due to heat. Very common....

 

[NO HEMI]

mine is a 2006 too, and after about 3 days of driving it , it started doing the same, i changed the fluid and added friction modifier, and no more noise!!!!

 

[Synergy]

Had the car checked out by another friend who is familar with Vipers. Diff fluid will not fix this. I tried reaching out to the dealer to see what they thought about this situation.

This is the 2nd email I sent to the selling dealer (Thomas Classics in Akron, Ohio). Holding back from what I really think right now!

Chad/Sam - Sent Sam an email yesterday but haven't heard back. Finally had the Viper checked out. Everything looks great, besides the fact that the rear differential needs to be rebuilt. $3,800 + tax quoted from Smith Haven Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Why was this never mentioned? What can we do to make this right? Please contact me via email/text/phone call. Thanks

Haven't heard anything back after a day.

 

[PDCjonny]

Nick worth a try switching the diff fluid out before going in for surgery no?

 

[Synergy]

Nick worth a try switching the diff fluid out before going in for surgery no?

I'm giving it a try asap... doesn't hurt!

 

[TowDawg]

You're nuts if you pay $3800 to have that diff rebuilt!
Stock diff assemblies pop up for sale every now and then for way less. Hell, I've got one I'd let go for $800. Of course, going with a used diff, there's never any guaranties on how long it last, as it's a used part. However, you can buy a new Gen IV diff or a new Gen III diff with a Quaife. I bought a whole new rear end assembly with a Qauife and 3.33's and just swapped out the whole assembly.

 

[Synergy]

You're nuts if you pay $3800 to have that diff rebuilt!
Stock diff assemblies pop up for sale every now and then for way less. Hell, I've got one I'd let go for $800. Of course, going with a used diff, there's never any guaranties on how long it last, as it's a used part. However, you can buy a new Gen IV diff or a new Gen III diff with a Quaife. I bought a whole new rear end assembly with a Qauife and 3.33's and just swapped out the whole assembly.

3 of the guys on the forum have already reached out to me offering their stock diffs from $500-$1000 (which sounds like a better idea to me). I don't supposed anyone has a stock gen 4 diff laying around?

 

[Voodoo Rob]

Did you change the diff fluid and additives yet? ***** to buy a car and have problems. Its hard to give people the benefit of the doubt but try to work it out with the dealer if more than a fluid change is needed.

 

[ACRucrazy]

You're nuts if you pay $3800 to have that diff rebuilt!
.......
I bought a whole new rear end assembly with a Qauife and 3.33's and just swapped out the whole assembly.

I agree, and what does a Quaife/ rear end/ gears cost? Gotta be a whole lot less than $3800

 

[1bad540]

Hey Nick I used to get that noise in a worked vette that i had after having the rear end rebuilt. 3800 is def high.

 

[Synergy]

Tried calling twice today, no answer! Left a message both times (with a very calm attitude only asking for a call back to discuss what can be done). I know if I lost my cool that would ruin any chance that I may have in towards something good. BUT... You would think the way they spoke so highly of themselves about how great their reputation is that they would at least return a phone call, let alone an email!!!!!

This is their Car.scom survery section. Thomas Classics - 2948 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44319

http://www.cars.com/dealers/177367/thomas-classics

If this continues, they can kiss their 5 star rating good bye!!!

 

[voi9]

Just change the fluid bro.
Chuck changed my tranni and rear fluid at 9,000 mi.
If it still makes noise after that, then go with a new rear. But at least take the cheaper way out first.

 

[Lespauldude]

Just change the fluid bro.
Chuck changed my tranni and rear fluid at 9,000 mi.
If it still makes noise after that, then go with a new rear. But at least take the cheaper way out first.

Do it Nick. Stop driving yourself nuts. Change the diff fluid/friction modifier and see the difference. Give Chuck a call regarding this.
914-763-3136.

Scott

 

[LiquoRT/10]

Tried calling twice today, no answer! Left a message both times (with a very calm attitude only asking for a call back to discuss what can be done). I know if I lost my cool that would ruin any chance that I may have in towards something good. BUT... You would think the way they spoke so highly of themselves about how great their reputation is that they would at least return a phone call, let alone an email!!!!!

This is their Car.scom survery section. Thomas Classics - 2948 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44319

http://www.cars.com/dealers/177367/thomas-classics

If this continues, they can kiss their 5 star rating good bye!!!

They must be to busy trying to sell your old car. (if this is it)

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...gId=28705&dlId=457796&aff=national&listType=1

 

[cowger]

The Gen III differential is not known for its strength, so hopefully you don't have broken spider gears (there's a build thread in this section by cowger that shows what that looks like).

BTW, I'll add that as nasty as my spider gears looked (pic below for reference), I didn't hear a peep out of my diff in the ~3k miles that I've owned the car. Finding this damage was a complete surprise to me...

You must be registered for see images

 

[SNKBYT]

I have a BRAND NEW, NOS rear end available. PM me if interested.

 

[Lespauldude]

So Nick, what's the deal? How about an update on this? Have you replaced the diff fluid/friction modifier? Keep us posted.

Scott

 

[Synergy]

Not yet. With the work schedule and recent weather, I haven't been able to take it anywhere. I contacted SRT to have a claim started in the event the diff fluid does not take care of this situation. They have been very helpful so far.

Chad from Thomas Classics finally contacted me. We talked about what was happening and in the event that the diff fluid does not take care of the situation what I could be faced with as far as repair costs for replacing/rebuilding the rear diff. Without hesitation, he let me know that he will not be participating in ANY repairs whatsoever! Following that, he began to go on about things that didn't check out on my old Viper such as a crack in one of the exhaust manifolds (which I had no idea about) and starting tallying everything up like we were keeping score on who's Viper was going to end up costing the most in repairs.

I could not believe the treatment that I was receiving as far as Thomas Classics taking any responsibility towards the rear diff. Last time I checked, as a dealer when you list a car for sale, it's to be sold as it was advertised where it has been carefully checked over before a sale is made to assure a happy client. As I mentioned in previous posts, the way Thomas Classics speaks about their reputation, you would think they would be on the next flight to NY to repair any damages themselves! Chad gave me the option to come take my old Viper back, but another 20 hour drive (there and back) isn't worth it to me as of right now.

We left off the conversation with me faxing over the receipt from Smith Haven Chrysler Jeep Dodge so he can have this info aside him for when he contacts Dodge/SRT himself. Of course, he stated that he would get back to me that day (Thursday/yesterday) which he didn't, and still haven't heard a thing from him as of right now.

 

[Hirkophoto]

I have been through this with my gen 3 here is a thread with information and what I did.
http://socalviper.com/forum/index.php?topic=1522.0