Found broken off metal pieces in front diff/Took to dealer/Need help

zrolimited · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006, 07:24 AM

I just bought my 2000 Tundra SR5 4x4 about 2 months ago. It has 106,000 miles on the odo and the used dealer offered a PowerTrain warranty which covers everything from the Differentials, Transfer case, Transmission, and Engine.

So I decided to change the front differential fluid after hearing all these stories about the spider gears. Well I found broken off metal pieces attached to the magnet on the drain plug. I also stuck my finger in the hole to kinda feel around to which I pulled out some bigger metal pieces. My truck was not making any noise or grinding so I would have never known about the metal until I drained the fluid. So I gathered all the metal up and put them in a zip lock bag to show the dealer.

I called the used car dealership up and they told me to bring it down yesterday about 9 AM. I dropped it off and went home to wait for their phone call. About 1 PM they called and said they were making sure 4 wheel drive worked, engaging and disgaging, and checking for leaks trying to pinpoint the problem to see where the metal shaving came from. They also mentioned that small pieces might have chipped off and its nothing to be concerned about. They also said that to truck should be ready tomorrow in the afternoon.

My questions for you guys is:

What is the normal procedure to check the front differential for broken spider gears?

If they say they could not find the problem what is a good question to ask them to see if they actually checked the gears?

Is it okay if they say that small pieces may have broken off and since its not making any noise, its nothing to be worried about and to go ahead and take it home?

What other things should I have them check just in case the metal came from somewhere else or messed something else up besides the gears?

Do you think they are trying to rip me off and trying to get around to not wanting to fix it?

Big Big Thanks in advance, I really need the help.

sprj8008 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006, 08:32 AM

I'd ask for the peices back and then go to Toyota for a second opinion. They will likely tell you it's hatched and needs to be rebuilt. If you have a warranty, it likely comes in the form of a policy that provides a process for claims. There is no way to tell from driving around and looking for leaks, if the gears are screwed up. Once it's apart you'll see the pieces.

I've never seen metal shavings come out of a GOOD piece of equipment.

pistolpete · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zrolimited

....My questions for you guys is:.......
Is it okay if they say that small pieces may have broken off and since its not making any noise, its nothing to be worried about and to go ahead and take it home?

Ask them "Gee if those metal chunks aren't needed for proper operation then why were they in there in the first place!?!?

" {sarcasm} if they are large chunks then something is definitely wrong or soon will be. Telling you that it is acceptable is downright horrendous on their part!!!

tempetom · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006, 09:25 AM

I've heard that very small metal flakes are normal, but larger ones aren't. I was wondering if you've used the 4wd since buying it? I would think if it's serious, you would hear or feel something. Just my $.02 though.

TundrastruckDave · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-2006, 11:23 AM

I have to think that [possibly] one of your biggest problems is... you're dealing with a used car dealer!

My suspessions are, that they're going to tell you... "everything is fine"... anyway. However, you do kinda' have them buy the "nads" on this one

, since they issued you a drivetrain warranty. That's their stupidity for offering that, on a vehicle with 100k on it. Sounds kinda' like they're playing a high stakes game of craps, where they're gambling that... for the most part... this "drivetrain warranty" will be nothing more than a strong selling point, hoping for-the-most-part, no one will ever come back in with a warranty claim. They accept the "risk", that every-once-in-a-while, they'll end up having a claim. But FIRST... they're gonna' try their best... to steer you away from filing a warranty claim. Depending of course... on how "assine" this dealer is willing to be... if that initial... "everything is fine"... doesn't work, then they'll accept a claim and pay for it. But I stress here... it depends on how "fair" this dealer is.

That said, if they DO indeed tell you... "everything is fine"... then I would definately do exactly what Jason recommend. Take the truck and the metal pieces, to a local Toyota dealer. Granted they will probably charge you for a diagnoistic, but at least then, you'll have some teeth to your warranty claim, in writing.

In that light, it's doubtful IMPO, that the dealer you bought your truck from, can honestly and fairly deny you a drivetrain warranty claim.

Best of luck...