This is my first post so please be kind. I have a 2003 Ram 2500 with Cummins Diesel Engine with 39K miles. For the past few months I've been towing a trailer and have been experiencing a transmission leak. I've taken it to two dealers. Finally, after taking it back to the 2nd dealer for the third time, I was told that I had a rear transmission leak caused by two snapped off mounting bolts. I guess this is difficult to see since they are on top of the transmission. I have only taken my truck to Chrysler for service but the dealer argued that "someone" had to snap off the mounting bolts. After a few days of arguing, Chrysler agreed to cover the repair under warranty. Just one problem... there were no seals available and they had no idea when the part would be available. My truck has been sitting at the dealer for 3 weeks waiting for this part. There is hope that it may arrive this week.
I'm not a mechanic but was wondering if it was possible that the two rear mounting bolts were snapped off at the factory since the transmission has never been removed? How can I tell if the dealer has properly repaired the transmission. I am towing an Airstream Travel Trailer that weighs about 8,000 lbs and don't want to experience more problems.
John
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Location: Sycamore, Illinois (displaced to Arkansas)
Posts: 3,949
I'd ask them where exactly those bolts are located. Have them show you (on like a picture). And ask to see the old parts, if possible.
How will you know that it's fixed? Well, make sure those bolts were actually replaced (look at it). And than, drive it and make sure it doesn't do it again.
It's possible a line-worker didn't do their job properly and the bolt broke. Highly unlikely, since most everything is automated or tools have pre-set torque-limiters, but anything is possible!
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1996 Dodge Dakota, 4x4, extended cab, 3.9L, automatic. - my baby
I'd ask them where exactly those bolts are located. Have them show you (on like a picture). And ask to see the old parts, if possible.
How will you know that it's fixed? Well, make sure those bolts were actually replaced (look at it). And than, drive it and make sure it doesn't do it again.
It's possible a line-worker didn't do their job properly and the bolt broke. Highly unlikely, since most everything is automated or tools have pre-set torque-limiters, but anything is possible!
I am glad to find your site - now I know what a good one looks like.
Very good topic to share with us. Great info.
I received a call from the dealer this morning. Somehow they magically found the rear seal and installed it. Now they are telling me the transmission has a "hair line crack" in the case. ????
They said they will speak with the service manager and get back to me. Should I demand the case get replaced?
Just an update. After replacing the rear seal on the transmission the dealer found a hairline crack in the transmission casing causing another leak??? The have ordered the casing and plan to install it Friday. They also are telling me that a small dent about the size of the bottom of your thumb in the drive shaft is very bad and they need to replace the drive shaft. I'm not sure if this is covered under the warranty. Again, this truck has never been off the street. I'm surprised the dealer is saying that it has to be replaced but they say a "thump" occurs when putting the transmission in D or R and that it is coming from the drive shaft.
As I mentioned, I'm not a mechanic but this doesn't make sense to me. Is this possible? Thanks again for your help.
Transmission Leak
I have a 2003 Ram 2500 with Cummins Diesel Engine with 39K miles. For the past few months I've been towing a trailer and have been experiencing a transmission leak. I've taken it to two dealers. Finally, after taking it back to the 2nd dealer for the third time, I was told that I had a rear transmission leak caused by two snapped off mounting bolts. I guess this is difficult to see since they are on top of the transmission. I have only taken my truck to Chrysler for service but the dealer argued that "someone" had to snap off the mounting bolts. After a few days of arguing, Chrysler agreed to cover the repair under warranty. Just one problem... there were no seals available and they had no idea when the part would be available. My truck has been sitting at the dealer for 3 weeks waiting for this part. There is hope that it may arrive this week.
