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.
