Please Help! Warranty Issue

[Kirby]

I have modified the suspension on my PT Turbo with Eibach springs and Koni adjustible shocks.
I have aproximately 55k on the odometer.

The CV Joints have given out.

My local dealer says that ANY mod nullifies the warranty.
I know about the mod law, but it is useless if the dealer continues to refuse service.

I need your help in finding others that may have opted to replace the stock springs and found different warranty coverage (they did cover the axle replacement)![8)]

[CREWZIN]

Kirby,

I think your going to have a hard time getting Chrysler to cover that one. Yes, they have to prove the aftermarket part caused your CV joints to "give out" BUT, lowering springs DO have a direct affect on the front end so the dealer has in fact linked your modification to your failure, not to mention shocks and struts that aren't direct Chrysler replacement parts.

[SteelBlueGT]

Do you have an extended warranty and if yes who issued it?? I didn't realize that the CV joints were covered past 3/36! Are the rubber bots covered too?? I just assumed that the boots are maintenance items.
If you are using the standard 7/70 powertraine warranty (and it is covered) and if you dropped your Cruiser an inch or less then I would think it would be covered cause MOPAR itself drops the cars an inch with their own parts. So unless they advertize that their drop springs kill the CV joints I think you can make a good case. Over an inch or if you have a non factory extended warranty then I think it is buyer beware time!! Just MHO!![?]

[hyracer]

Kirby, it has been posted by others that there are dealers who are more forgiving to owners that have modded their cars. You may have to do some calling and driving around to find such a dealer. You might have to even drive to another state!

Also it should be a another warning to those that do mod...not to take their car in for warranty service and expect it to be honored unless they return the car to stock before they take it in.

My car has obviously been extensively modded and by doing so I've pretty much thrown away my warranty. It would take me days and probably even a week or so to return it to stock but although I've voided my warranty, I sure have had a ton of fun in the mean time.

We have been warned by Chrysler, let the modder beware

Deen

[1ptturbo]

Chrysler released a internal bulletin on owner modifications and warranty with a list of items to look for. Lowering springs were listed and stated that they change the suspension geometry and this can cause premature wear to the tripods and damage the CV joints and reason to deny warranty.
They did mention that the MoPar springs use a stop ring limiting the the amount of lowering. It does not specify whether the warranty claim would be honored with use of MoPar springs but it most certainly could be interpreted as such.
I would find out how much the MoPar springs lower the car and compare that to how much your springs lower the car, if they are close then you have a legitimate argument. Print out the section and take it to the dealer. Good Luck!

http://www.agpturbo.com/images/aftermarket.pdf

[PK Cruiser]

What was going on that you noticed "stuff" breaking?

[Kirby]

Just a few qualifying comments:

The CV joints are specifically named in the 7-70K mile warranty as covered drivetrain parts.

My dealer tried to sell me springs with the car, and I specifically asked if this would affect my warranty, and was assured by the business manager (in charge of warranty) and the sales manager that springs, shocks, and tires would not affect warranty.

The CV jionts started to make a faint noise at 35K, but I didn't realise the importance until one morning the noise became pronounced and consistent.

For all the hundreds of dollars spent to try to garner my business for my next purchase, not covering a warranty on a design flaw (underengineered CV joints)they may have lost my business for good.
If you can't trust their word, why bother with their product! I did not buy the PT to get into a contest to see if I can corner DC into standing up for their promises.[8)]

[PK Cruiser]

quote:Originally posted by Kirby

For all the hundreds of dollars spent to try to garner my business for my next purchase, not covering a warranty on a design flaw (underengineered CV joints)they may have lost my business for good.
If you can't trust their word, why bother with their product! I did not buy the PT to get into a contest to see if I can corner DC into standing up for their promises.[8)]

I couldn't have said it better myself...I love my cruiser...but I don't see me buying another DC product....

[DTs_PTGT]

So let me get this straight, the dealer sold you the new springs and now they are saying the springs are the cause of the CV joint going bad?

[slartyblarfast]

Ok...I am a DC tech. Here is the deal with lowering springs. A lot of it is up to the service dept to decide if it is warranty. And like a lot of people have said some dealers are easier than others. What happens on the axles is that they are designed to work with in a certain range. When you lower your car you take it outside of that range. The axle has to have have angles in it to make all the bearings move. When you eliminate that built in anlges you stop the bearings from moving. That causes them to wear out and make noise. It's more technical that that but that's basically what happens.
The main thing you need to do is find a dealer who is more open to your modifications.
Also in todays leaner meaner tighter business society if you give a company any reason to deny your warranty claim, most will. It's simple economics. If they don't have to pay for your axle then that's several hundred dollars they save.
The problem is they pass that pressure down to the dealer.
Now if you have a good dealer who wants your business they ill be more willing to help you out. If you go to e dealership for all your
services and maintenance then that will give you some leverage. A deqalership interested in keeping you as a customer will go the extra step for someone who has done that than someone who only goes to the dealership for warranty issues. The warranty only guy costs the dealership money. The guy who has done his services at the dealership has made the dealership money and that means something to a good service manager. Believe me I see it every day!!!!!
That's all I have to say about that.