Not f@#king happy!! Need advice

[cannibal]

HAving just paid the best part of $700 labour to have a 4x4 specialist install my new ratios, and arb locker in the rear on Thursday, I opened the drain plug this afternoon to checl the oil color after taking it on a 500km round trip on the weekend.

And what do I find in the rear?

Nothing, bone F###ing dry


They FORGOT to add oil in the rear diff, $2000 in parts sitting in there, $66/hour and they forgot to add $20 oil.

What if I had waited 1000km to check it as they advised?

To say I was in the mood for skull crunching would be an understatement.

Am I overreacting, or is this a serious issue?

They have said if the bearings are shot they will replace them, but what about the rest?

How much damage would be expected runnning your diffs that far with no oil at all?

If there is no visible damage, should I expect a partial refund? What if my brand new locker f#Xks up in 5000km time?

What would you expect from them? I dont want to sound like a wanker, but I am seriously concerned that down the track there could be an issue, and what comeback would I have?

I wont name them, yet, pending outcome of this.

Should I get an independant assessment? Afterall I am no diff expert, there could a problem, and it's not like many businesses would point something that could cost them $2k??


First job have ever paid to be done on the Jeep, and will def be the last, at least I am not that stupid!!!

[Jeeps]

Sorry dude but's got me laughing my ass off. Get a written contract so that if in the next 50k or whatever the rear diff internals fail they will replace it!

[CrazyNuts]

get an independent assesment and contact the installers responsible informing them of this.

They are legally bound to replace anything they stuff up. If they refuse...take them to small claims tribunal

You may be lucky and everything could be alright if you didn't do any heavy driving. But those gears would have got damn hot with no oil in there.

Also i would be getting them to sign an agreement with you that they will replace any part of the diff within 10,000km due to their stupidity.

[maddog]

Yeah that's pretty average service right there. You should probably seek some advice from the MTA, that's what they're there for.

[CrazyNuts]

that's a good point...the MTA would love to hear about this.

they'll be rubbing their hands ready for action

[mattc]

I would find an expert - I believe that new gears need to be driven gently to allow them time to harden so they have a long life??? No oil does not sound good. But find an expert like ARB and the gear manufacturers and a diff specialist.

btw, log every conversation and phone call. Write a letter to the shop involved stating the facts as they are and what they have admitted to etc (keeping a copy for yourself etc) - just to be on the safe side.

A friend of mine's dad had his 80 series given back by a Toyota dealer with no engine oil - they would only replace the head.

[MR. 04 X IV]

To say I was in the mood for skull crunching would be an understatement.

Cool, where can i buy ringside tickets!!!

Nah seriously, what was said above Scott. Get together any info relating to the matter...receipts, phone records/conversations etc. just in-case you need to take the matter further. You've got a good enough case as is, but if they want to be PIA about it then any documentation will help you case.