Background story: Early February, I had the pinion seal replaced on my Sol to fix the differential leak. While in the capable hands of the techs from Beck & Master North, they filled my differential with conventional gear oil instead of synthetic and the needed additive and sent me on my way. Needless to say, that didn't work so well and I had to return the car due to a rubbing/grinding noise coming from the rear. They realized their mistake (after first doing an alignment job on it because they thought it was the tires rubbing the fenders) and refilled the diff with the correct synthetic gear oil and additive. Apparently, the thick conventional oil didn't allow the LSD clutch to engage properly, and this caused the grinding sound.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Five weeks later, I again noticed the same rubbing/grinding noise. I took my Sol to another GM dealership this time. I explained my experience with Beck & Masten and they took it very seriously. The service advisor, service manager, tech and shop foreman called GM tech support to ask for assistance in how to handle such a case. After two days in the shop, they examined the diff for signs of metal shavings and wear & tear to the gears and LSD. Assuming nothing was found, GM tech support suggested that they flush the diff several times with the correct fluid and additive to remove all conventional oil that may still be causing a problem. My Sol was returned and I was asked to keep an eye out for any other problems. The service advisor did say that if the problem continued, more than likely the next plan of attack would be to repair/replace those parts that may be damaged.
New news: It only took about a month for the grinding to rare its ugly head again. I took my Sol back to the second dealership again for service this morning. I don't know what lies in store for my girl, but I hope they replace the whole rear end. I'd rather not have to do any of this again.
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| 105941 | Mysterious | Ebony | Power | Convenience | Monsoon | CD | LSD | ABS | A\C | Chrome |
. . .all wrapped in a great little package!
they filled my differential with conventional gear oil instead of synthetic and the needed additive and sent me on my way. .....refilled the diff with the correct synthetic gear oil and additive. .
I'm hoping we don't have the same issue. According to our repair order they put in Seal p/n 89058617; Vent p/n 15233712; and Lubricant p/n 89021677.
Can someone confirm what lubricant 89021677 is and the correct p/n for the synthetic gear oil and additive?
Can someone confirm what lubricant 89021677 is and the correct p/n for the synthetic gear oil and additive?
That's the right gear oil, it's the GM 75w90 synthetic. Should also have had One 4 oz. bottle of GM #1052358 Limited Slip Axle Lubricant Additive added on the ticket also if you have an LSD.
Well, after speaking with the service advisor yesterday, it looks like I'll be getting a new differential. Apparently, they will be keeping the same casing, but will be replacing all gears, clutch, LSD and seals with new parts. I asked if these pieces were damaged, but he couldn't tell me yet. I'll find that out later. I'm also going to find out how GM handles situations like this. I'm hoping the cost of this repair will be charged back to you know who. More to come when I pick it up tomorrow.
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| 105941 | Mysterious | Ebony | Power | Convenience | Monsoon | CD | LSD | ABS | A\C | Chrome |
. . .all wrapped in a great little package!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image...
The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA(TM)
Founding Member-Vendor and Marketing Coordinator ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, after speaking with the service advisor yesterday, it looks like I'll be getting a new differential. Apparently, they will be keeping the same casing, but will be replacing all gears, clutch, LSD and seals with new parts. I asked if these pieces were damaged, but he couldn't tell me yet. I'll find that out later. I'm also going to find out how GM handles situations like this. I'm hoping the cost of this repair will be charged back to you know who. More to come when I pick it up tomorrow.
I doubt the dealer would be doing all that work without it being covered under the warranty. I can't say they wouldn't do that to you, but I seriously doubt it.
I hope this gives you a complete fix. Did they give you a loaner car while yours was down, or did you ask for one? Curious minds want to know....
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VIN 101292, DOB 9/13/05, picked up on 11/23. In my garage, where it belongs.
Best comment so far about my Aggressive Sol, from a driver of a red S2000 in the small town I live near, "I thought I was going to have the coolest car for some time. Now, I know I am wrong!"
Background story: Early February, I had the pinion seal replaced on my Sol to fix the differential leak. While in the capable hands of the techs from Beck & Master North, they filled my differential with conventional gear oil instead of synthetic and the needed additive and sent me on my way. Needless to say, that didn't work so well and I had to return the car due to a rubbing/grinding noise coming from the rear. They realized their mistake (after first doing an alignment job on it because they thought it was the tires rubbing the fenders) and refilled the diff with the correct synthetic gear oil and additive. Apparently, the thick conventional oil didn't allow the LSD clutch to engage properly, and this caused the grinding sound.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Five weeks later, I again noticed the same rubbing/grinding noise. I took my Sol to another GM dealership this time. I explained my experience with Beck & Masten and they took it very seriously. The service advisor, service manager, tech and shop foreman called GM tech support to ask for assistance in how to handle such a case. After two days in the shop, they examined the diff for signs of metal shavings and wear & tear to the gears and LSD. Assuming nothing was found, GM tech support suggested that they flush the diff several times with the correct fluid and additive to remove all conventional oil that may still be causing a problem. My Sol was returned and I was asked to keep an eye out for any other problems. The service advisor did say that if the problem continued, more than likely the next plan of attack would be to repair/replace those parts that may be damaged.
New news: It only took about a month for the grinding to rare its ugly head again. I took my Sol back to the second dealership again for service this morning. I don't know what lies in store for my girl, but I hope they replace the whole rear end. I'd rather not have to do any of this again.
I feel you pain since I went through similar scenario. But for my return (2nd) visit, about 1500 miles after first visit to dealer (they replaced fluids, worked OK for short period of time) the final resolution was entire replacement and reassembly of differential and rear axle. Because I've had the problem since the car was new, it feels very different and I'm very satisfied. Service was excellent.
Good luck - I hope you get the same happy resolution.
I doubt the dealer would be doing all that work without it being covered under the warranty. I can't say they wouldn't do that to you, but I seriously doubt it.
I hope this gives you a complete fix. Did they give you a loaner car while yours was down, or did you ask for one? Curious minds want to know....
They gave me a Chevy Silverado loaner. Man, I miss driving the Sol.
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| 105941 | Mysterious | Ebony | Power | Convenience | Monsoon | CD | LSD | ABS | A\C | Chrome |
. . .all wrapped in a great little package!
I am now wondering if Beck actually did anything other than change the vent piece on my car?! If they messed with the fluid then the sheet should state that the LSD fluid is in there right?
These other people that you are going to, you will tell me about them if all works out well right? I don't care to go to Beck again.
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I visit here less and less nowadays. Leave a PM if you want but it may be days before I return to it.
Interesting. I've had mine back to B&M for the rear end leak twice. First I called told them it was leaking, gave them the part # for the pinion seal so they could call me when it came in. It did and they did, only to say that wasn't the problem it was the vent tube. 2-3 weeks later they did a same day install on the vent tube, that was some six weeks ago or so, and the leak remains. Not much but its absolutely not right. I didn't receive any papaer work either time, thought that was odd, just gave me the keys when I picked it up and that was it. GM doesn't appear to be in any hurry to correct this issue, Dealerships seem to be grasping for straws. Got rid of a 90 Nissan Maxima with 250k miles I can't hardly remember it being in the shop three times for anything other than normal wear items in the 16 years I owned it. At least the Sol's a looker...
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Loaded Sly w/two-tone
Ordered 9/6/05 -- P/U 1/14/06
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96 Cobra 4cams/32valves/Vortech Enhanced
04 Infiniti Fx35 Family Hauler
Graphite Sky loaded, black/red delivered 7/12/06
VOMS order on RL Sky (sliver blk/red) placed 5/30
Interesting. I've had mine back to B&M for the rear end leak twice. First I called told them it was leaking, gave them the part # for the pinion seal so they could call me when it came in. It did and they did, only to say that wasn't the problem it was the vent tube. 2-3 weeks later they did a same day install on the vent tube, that was some six weeks ago or so, and the leak remains. Not much but its absolutely not right. I didn't receive any papaer work either time, thought that was odd, just gave me the keys when I picked it up and that was it. GM doesn't appear to be in any hurry to correct this issue, Dealerships seem to be grasping for straws. Got rid of a 90 Nissan Maxima with 250k miles I can't hardly remember it being in the shop three times for anything other than normal wear items in the 16 years I owned it. At least the Sol's a looker...
I lean more towards the dealerships service department on this one..there is a very detailed TSB out on the pinion seal..several forum members have had work done on the relief valve as well with good results....my money is the service department isnt up to par on this one...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image...
The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA(TM)
Founding Member-Vendor and Marketing Coordinator ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I lean more towards the dealerships service department on this one..there is a very detailed TSB out on the pinion seal..several forum members have had work done on the relief valve as well with good results....my money is the service department isnt up to par on this one...
That's exactely what I believe. The lack of knowledge about and training on this vehicle is showing.
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| 105941 | Mysterious | Ebony | Power | Convenience | Monsoon | CD | LSD | ABS | A\C | Chrome |
. . .all wrapped in a great little package!
