Transfer Case Officially Recalled

[VeeTec]

Ok, now I am scared. I just got my car back yesterday, from getting the tranny replaced. They told me that the differential had to be replaced because it was a japan spec tranny, and that all 4 wheels could lock if they didn't replace it.

So now I have it back, with the differential replaced, and I am hearing this "thunk" when I let the clutch out, especially in 2nd gear, so I am thinking I have a serious need to be worried!

I am calling them first thing this morning. This is not a good thing!!!!!!! The old tranny never had play like that in the driveline. It does shift much tighter now though, so the gears appear to be in good condition. But still.

[hexum]

Originally posted by VeeTec
Ok, now I am scared. I just got my car back yesterday, from getting the tranny replaced. They told me that the differential had to be replaced because it was a japan spec tranny, and that all 4 wheels could lock if they didn't replace it.

So now I have it back, with the differential replaced, and I am hearing this "thunk" when I let the clutch out, especially in 2nd gear, so I am thinking I have a serious need to be worried!

I am calling them first thing this morning. This is not a good thing!!!!!!! The old tranny never had play like that in the driveline. It does shift much tighter now though, so the gears appear to be in good condition. But still.

You've got some explaining to do. Did you get your tranny or differential replaced? A j-spec transmission? Who put a tranny from japan in your car? Do you know if the previous owner did this, or did you do it and you just didn't say? I thought that the trannies used in Japan are identical to those in the U.S. It sounds like the dealer ripped you off. Even so, the transfer case is what would cause all 4 wheels to lock up. Sounds like the mechanic was smoking crack to me. This new "play" in the driveline you speak of started happening ever since you got it back from the dealer? If so, then they defenitly installed something wrong. You should post your problem as a new thread, it sounds serious.

[YellowES]

i remember a few years ago they were trying to recall the 60's mustangs because if it was hit from behind, the gas tank could either explode or the tank could bust open and the gas would go from the trunk area to the front of the car, and if that's burning it would seriously injure someone. I don't think a safety recall has a time limit. Did the transfer cases used to replace the 1991 transfer cases have any leaking problems after they were installed? Is it the same design as the 92+? If it's the same design I don't think it's fair to exclude he 91's.

[KingNothing]

Yes, it's the same design, and no, it wouldn't be fair to not include all the other years... But it obviously shows they knew there exists a design flaw with the origional one, and they continued to use it and not recall the 92-99 ones... makes you think, huh?

[VeeTec]

Originally posted by hexum


You've got some explaining to do. Did you get your tranny or differential replaced? A j-spec transmission? Who put a tranny from japan in your car? Do you know if the previous owner did this, or did you do it and you just didn't say? I thought that the trannies used in Japan are identical to those in the U.S. It sounds like the dealer ripped you off. Even so, the transfer case is what would cause all 4 wheels to lock up. Sounds like the mechanic was smoking crack to me. This new "play" in the driveline you speak of started happening ever since you got it back from the dealer? If so, then they defenitly installed something wrong. You should post your problem as a new thread, it sounds serious.

The dealers mechanic told me that the transfer case was fine, and that they only lock up if they run dry. He said the thunk was from a little play in the driveline, not to worry about it. I may take it somewhere else and get a second opinion.

[Crazey]

So we have a recall number??

I'm taking me car to get get a whole new drivline in minus the tranny. If we have a recall number, that would be great, if not, then i guess i'll just pay.

So, do we have a recall number yet?

[ROD]

nope, no recall # yet. keep in mind that according to earlier posts, the recall has just been "issued" 'bout 2-3 weeks ago. If you look at NHTSA records, some recalls take over a year to go into effect from the date the manufacturer accepts there is a design flaw and orders a recall. It could come this summer or next spring, who knows. I wish they'd at least come out and say that they'd be willing to reimburse people who get a new one before the recall, that way we wouldn't be sitting here with our bad TCs waiting on them. aahh, whatever....i'm probably gonna sell my car before then and get one with fewer problems.

[Fijivr4]

ok, thanks for the info.

[Bret Brinkmann]

Okay for what is worth I used to work for my local Dodge dealer (just quit a few days ago to concentrate on summer classes) and I haven't heard anything about a recall for the Stealths. Not that there wont be one. Us employees wouldn't know until we actually did a recall. But from my experience I can tell you all this. The year doesn't matter. It is a specific part that tends to fail and cause a safty issue. At Dodge, they have a lot of recalls that replace parts that are used on more than one type of car. For instance, an SRS air bag control module is on recall. It is used in some Wranglers, Cherokees, Caravans, Town and Countrys, and even the Viper. When the dealer knows they will send you all out a post card stateing there is a recall on your car and what part it involves. Many of you may have had your brake lines replaced by Mitsu all ready when you got a card in the mail. I still have my recall notice and as soon as the transaxle is back together I will take it in.

Only a tech at the appropreate dealer can do the recall. That means Stealths go to Dodge and 3000GTs go to Mitsu. I talked to a guy from the local Mitsu dealer a while ago about 3000GTs and Eclipses and he remembered a recall for the GSX Eclipses and their transfer cases. The recall stated that the drive shaft can rub the out put seal and case it to leak. When driven with out fluid there runs a risk of TC lock up and potential safty hazards. I would think you could hear a TC running while dry but I guess if you have the radio up real loud......... The recall prompted the dealer to replace the TC if locked up or replace the seal and fluid if leaking. If there was no sign of wear on the seal nothing was done. The seal was replaced with the exact same part. No changes were made to the seal design. A lot of times when a recall is issued they only replace the part with the same old design only a new part. Why? I don't know. I have knowtis a trend toward this mostly when seals of some sort are involved. Fuel rail seals on Caravans/Town & Countrys are on recall. If they don't leak we put clamps on them.... If they do then we replace the whole rail with a new one. I have found no visable difference in the new rails form the old ones..... I think instances like this are because they are seals and they do wear out in time. I guess they figure "the condition of the car is the customers duty not ours." So they humor them with a recall to avoid being sued and getting bad publicity.

Now some of you may be thinking that the GSX uses the same transfer case as the VR-4. That is what I thought. I have yet to look up part numbers yet but will get around to it tomorrow when I see the Mitsu dealer and inquire about the recall. I wouldn't be surprised if you will just get new seals for a leak. I could see a whole new TC if and only if their is a lot of play in the TC and a thunk sound has resulted. But I seriously doubt it because they can argue that it could be anything and easily get away with it. Also in our parts computors at Dodge, the oldest listing for a Stealth we had was a 92. I'll check with the Mitsu dealer on this also because I do remember seeing a 91 Stealth manual.

It is important that when ever you change, or you have your oil changed, that you check thoughly for any fluid leaks or seepage and fix the problem to keep the car in good working order if you can afford it. A locked up TC can kill you and others. So if you know you are leaking fluid from any where be sure and check the fluid level while the car is on a level surface and fill it untill you can get around to fixing it. But still would think you can hear more drive line noise such as a bearing whine or something.

I also couldn't help hearing about the suposed syncro problems people say they have with our cars. Who was it that said to use 75w-90 GL-4? Give yourself a pat on the back. Not many people know to use GL-4. GL-5 is corrosive to brass. Brass is the actual friction material on the syncro rings that causes a smooth engaugment. GL-4 will not corrode the brass on the syncros. So be sure to use a GL-4 fluid. The GL-5 can shorten the life of syncros by as much as one half. And last time I checked, the dealers (Dodge and Mitsu both) use a GL-5 from the factory. I am sure there are other GL-4 fluids out there but the only one I know of if Redline gear oil. Redline is a synthetic however. After 30k miles you probably will develope a leak in your TC and transaxle if you switch from a conventional to a synthetic gear oil. This is what happened to me but I am rebuilding my TC and transaxle anyway. So I put in new seals and will use Redline synthetic from the start. You can switch and then change the seals if you over 30k. But don't forget about the seals between the three transaxle housing peices. Those are what leaked on mine.

[neophytal]

bret- thanks for your knowledge, sounds like really thought through ideas... guess you've been doing this awhile