2006 half-shaft vibration

[Maruuk]

I'm having the same problem many 2006 owners have had in which the imbalanced driver's side half shaft causes vibration on acceleration at certain speeds. Chrysler acknowledged the issue to THEM and replaced the half shaft with the one from the Turbo model under warranty, and the vibe goes away. Many claim Chrysler "knows about this problem" and will "fix it under warranty". Not true. Chrysler corporate in Detroit totally denies this issue to me (surprise!), and is stonewalling. What is my next step here?

[CREWZIN]

How far are you going to get it fixed. Did you take a mechanic or service rep for a ride to show them the vibration? There's a area rep to try and persuade. You've already gone to corporate, did you bypass the dealer and area rep? Does anyone acknowledge that you have the problem that's seen it?

Forget what corporate says and try another dealer from scratch and say "I've got a vibration problem, I'm still under warranty", show it to them and see what they say.

[Maruuk]

Before even checking it out, the service manager just handed me Chrysler's phone number and told ME to deal with it. His point being, if Chrysler isn't going to admit the problem as a factory issue, it's not a warranty-backed repair so I'll have to pay for it.

[CREWZIN]

That's why you should try another dealer and don't say anything about corporate or what the other dealer said or did.
Just tell them you have a vibration, your still under warranty, show them if you can and go from there.

[slartyblarfast]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

That's why you should try another dealer and don't say anything about corporate or what the other dealer said or did.
Just tell them you have a vibration, your still under warranty, show them if you can and go from there.

What he said!! It's a known issue but it's not a big issue. Most PT's dont do it but enough do that we know what the problem is. Chrysler is not the only company to have this problem though.

[bobs turbo pt]

i agree with crewzin and the car still has coverage, call chrysler everyday !! and complain !!

[Dirk_Gently]

Originally Posted by bobs turbo pt

i agree with crewzin and the car still has coverage, call chrysler everyday !! and complain !!

I wouldn't exactly call and complain right yet. I agree with the prior advice of go to a new dealer and say "Hey. I have a weird vibration and i'm under warranty. I'd be happy to show you when it does it. I'd like to get it fixed please." Never tip your hand that another dealer turned you down. If you do, then it's like someone else already made the decision not to warranty your work and no one will. Make the new dealer come to their own decision.

[Maruuk]

Thanks, guys! So this is in fact a known issue? That was the impression I got from various '06 owners around the net who had Chrysler fix it under warranty. Ok, I'll go the new service manager route and just take it from their test drive perspective first.

[BLUEH20]

It does appear that you went straight to the top, for what ever reason and hve been told that unless your "concern" is verified as a warrantable item; it will not be repalced under warranty.

As to keeping it a secret from all other Chrysler repair facilities--ain't gona happen--a CAIR case was generated when you initiated the call to the Customer Assitance Desk. That case will now follow your vehilce like white on rice. This not a bad thing--just a record of customer concern and the decision made based on the information availalbe at that time. Information such as "customer diagnosis only--no Chrysler technical contact--repair authorization denied". As information changes so can/do decisions.

Yes, you can get it replaced under warranty--if it meets the warranty replacement criteria established by Chrysler-not by any dealer. A good Service Manager will make every effort to solve your concern. Chrysler is still the holding the purse strings. They don't pay--don't expect a dealership to pay for repair work.

If you purchased the vehilce from a Chrysler dealership, new or used, you may have some goodwill with that dealership. This might be the time to cash in some of that capital. If not--well--------

I agree with going to another dealership. Stating you have a concern with vibration and let them have a go at it. Should the question come up about prior contact-be honest. Yes and I was advised that without a Chrysler Tech diagnosising the problem, the issue could not be paid. You are there for that diagnostic help and to get the concern corrected. The replacement of a part with one that is not in the normal production line will require at least authorization for the District Manager. That is where having the Service Manager working for you is money in the bank.

I do wish you the best and feel that you can get this done without a battle nor deception.

[Maruuk]

Thanks very much, most useful info!