Scrap at 49,000 kms

[Emgee]

The transfer case on my MY12 WK Jet Ltd imploded last week. Bang. Crunch. '4WD Service' lamp. Slip into nuetral. Gear shift dead. Narrowly avoid collision. Roll onto footpath. Call towie.

Dealer says the drive shaft and rear diff also need replacing. Labour and parts: ~$18,500. So it's borderline a write-off.

Does anyone else find it odd that a serviced vehicle with only 49,000 kms - mostly city driving - on the meter is pretty much scrap (unless I find a reco option)?


[EDIT: $18,500 issue can be fixed with a $150 part?

Just found this thread on jeepgarage.org where replacing the transfer case, drive shaft and rear diff was avoided by owners self-replacing the TCCM, currently ~$150 on jeepshop.com.au ]

[Taprod]

Ouch. Jeep parts are expensive af in this country. I suggest trying a wrecker. There are a couple of well priced ones about, that I can’t remember the names of. Someone here will post them soon I’m sure


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[Jimmy777]

Hey Emgee. It’s more than just odd, that is downright ridiculous. There is no way at 49,000 k’s any transfer case or differential should be giving way, unless it’s been driven a lot off road and particularly hard?
Where are you off road at the time of the breakage/accident? Any chance you can claim it under insurance?
I have a 2014 Jeep grand Cherokee Limited, transfer case also gave way at about 80 to 90,000k’s. Definitely a failure in the chain link system.
Do not stick with the dealers quote on this one they charge exorbitant prices. Look up your own parts for a transfer case differential and rear axle (try Rockauto in the US) even with shipping on those parts it would come in well well under 18,000.!Supply them to a reasonable mechanic and you should be able to get done for a reasonable cost.
Good luck.


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[SouthernComfort]

Definitely very wrong at only 49k. Did you have the car from new?

Always helpful if you tell us where you are, but in Vic the go-to place for spares and/or repair is:

http://allgrandcherokee.com.au/ They also ship parts interstate.

Forget the dealers.

[Fishframe]

Ouch. Wreckers would be my first thought for sure. Additionally, I would write to FCA Australia - if you have an up to date service record they may feel compassion for your situation and offer some assistance.

In general, I have heard of people on heir second exchange engine and no issues with original transfer case. A rear diff rebuild (usually just gears) and drive shaft should not be ridiculous prices. I think the quote of $18,500 is outrageous. Here is a Brand New (OEM Mopar) transfer case on eBay for $2,500AUD in Australia. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/193707594552

[drover]

9 years old, 49K on clock, hasn't done much at all, it would have had serviciing at time intervals not distance I would assume................ I wouldn't go to a Jeep dealer for repairs for a start, they will just replace units as a whole not even try to find the where or why.

Intriguing about the drive shafts and diff going as well as TC, if the TC went because of diff failure then you would have oil and cogs everywhere............. Often these places state a whole unit needs replacing because the manual says there are no parts but with things like Tail Shafts bearings are replacable just that Jeep doesn't always replace bearings or CV's on their own but the bits are available............

I never use a dealer, any dealer no matter what the brand.

[OLMATE]

As with anything brand new from a dealer regardless of vehicle make, some things you just dont purchase, anything driveline related is one of those things and its just not Jeep.

https://www.ebay.com.au/b/Transmissi.../bn_7019215789

I would be sourcing a reputable reconditioning mob, who WORKS specifically on transfer Box,s ( not someone who just sells them ) and explain to them in Detail EXACTLY what you were doing at the time of failure, and get their opinion, quote on repairing it, or get hold of a good 2nd hand unit, Have you owned it since New?, also how can the Dealer determine the Drive Shaft and Rear Diff are rooted when you were able to Roll some distance prior to stopping, with the rear tailshaft removed off the diff flange, can you turn the rear axle by hand and does it feel smooth,

Just my two bobs worth, Cheers