I have maintained this vehicle well since buying it used at 19k miles 6 years ago. Had Transmission fluid flush at 75k, and all other oils and fluids routinely replaced. Within a week of learning of the lower control arm recall, I replaced the front rotors, and pads, and put a new set of Michelins on it. Feeling like a hero, and waiting for my scheduled appt to replace the lower control arms (they were clunking horribly) My wife reported a strange noise coming from beneath the car. This sound manifested within days after my purchase of the tires. She thought something was caught and being drug about under the car. Just rolling it down the driveway I could tell this was definitely drivetrain related, It sounds a lot like a bad CV joint, without the associated steering wheel twitching.
I've scheduled an appointment with the dealer and waiting for them to tell me I need a new transfer case. Shame on me for thinking I would be driving this POS til the end of the new tire warranty. I've learned through other threads that the transfer cases are filled at factory, and not routinely serviceable....ie no drain plug. So I guess this wasn't a part of my transmission service I paid for. Anyone interested in a new set of 245 50 r20 Michelins already mounted and balanced?
Update from Jan 8, 2016: All, After taking to the dealer, they advised that my front brake calipers were sticking. I wasn't buying that, but they assured me that was the noise I was hearing. Mind you, the noises initially were intermittent, but were always noticeable when the car was cold. It would smooth out thereafter. I picked up from dealer and drove approx 12 miles on highway and the same clicking/clacking/grinding ensued. MUCH more noticeable at slower speeds. Limped it home and called a reputable mechanic and described the symptoms. He test drove it with me, and after some slow turning around a mall parking lot the sounds returned. Removal of the fluid in the transfer case revealed lots of metal. Thank God we got to it before I wrecked the tranny! Anyway....$1,300 installed new transfer case. Have put another 2,000 thus far without issue. This vehicle has been a never ending money pit!
I have maintained this vehicle well since buying it used at 19k miles 6 years ago. Had Transmission fluid flush at 75k, and all other oils and fluids routinely replaced. Within a week of learning of the lower control arm recall, I replaced the front rotors, and pads, and put a new set of Michelins on it. Feeling like a hero, and waiting for my scheduled appt to replace the lower control arms (they were clunking horribly) My wife reported a strange noise coming from beneath the car. This sound manifested within days after my purchase of the tires. She thought something was caught and being drug about under the car. Just rolling it down the driveway I could tell this was definitely drivetrain related, It sounds a lot like a bad CV joint, without the associated steering wheel twitching.
I've scheduled an appointment with the dealer and waiting for them to tell me I need a new transfer case. Shame on me for thinking I would be driving this POS til the end of the new tire warranty. I've learned through other threads that the transfer cases are filled at factory, and not routinely serviceable....ie no drain plug. So I guess this wasn't a part of my transmission service I paid for. Anyone interested in a new set of 245 50 r20 Michelins already mounted and balanced?
Update from Jan 8, 2016: All, After taking to the dealer, they advised that my front brake calipers were sticking. I wasn't buying that, but they assured me that was the noise I was hearing. Mind you, the noises initially were intermittent, but were always noticeable when the car was cold. It would smooth out thereafter. I picked up from dealer and drove approx 12 miles on highway and the same clicking/clacking/grinding ensued. MUCH more noticeable at slower speeds. Limped it home and called a reputable mechanic and described the symptoms. He test drove it with me, and after some slow turning around a mall parking lot the sounds returned. Removal of the fluid in the transfer case revealed lots of metal. Thank God we got to it before I wrecked the tranny! Anyway....$1,300 installed new transfer case. Have put another 2,000 thus far without issue. This vehicle has been a never ending money pit!
- Dennis T., Hinckley, OH, US