Repair advice for 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude REAR DIFFERENTIAL
07-01-2024, 12:45 PM
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Repair advice for 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude REAR DIFFERENTIAL
Hi there, first time posting. Gonna compile as much information and then describe my issue below. Any time and help is greatly appreciated.
I recently had it in one of my small repair shops to replace front brakes ($1k), while they had it lifted up, they noticed the rear end was not in great shape and there was fluid leaking all over. They identified it as a differential issue and advised to go to jeep/chrysler directly.
They diagnosed and quoted the need of a full rear end differential replacement for a whooping $6000 Canadian $4400USD, and not only that but the part I need does not even exist right now and needs to be made at the plant, then shipped. Earliest estimate is LATE AUGUST. I can post a photo of the printed quote. The part is labelled as 68545100AB - DIFFERNTL
I have a 3rd party Canadian warrant, Nationwide "essentials" 36months/60k km, which does include power train and differential, and if accepted they would cover $3000. Caveat with that is, while I've been staying on top of the mandatory oil changes, I hadn't read the fine print of the warranty also wanting a transmission fluid change every 12 months, and it is currently the 13th month. Is this enough for them to invalidate the claim? It technically doesn't have anything to do with the trans/motor.
The car DOES drive and I have since refilled the diff fluid, however, it does produce a very audible crunching sound while making turns, and so I have abstained from driving it as much as I possibly can.
What are my options here?
Not have a car until late August, then pay either$3000cad or $6000cad for a new diff?
Used/spare diffs seem VERY rare, and many shops aren't even willing to install/replace them.
Do I just cut my losses and look for something else?
I'm really wanting to love my jeep, but it isn't giving me a whole lot of love back. I've had like 4 issues since buying it last year in May.
Lastly, how does a differential even break down? The only explanation I've been able to get out of the tech's is that there was a fluid leak, all the fluid leaked out and then while it was driving dry, it damaged the internal metal parts. But how does a fluid leak even happen to begin with?
Thank you GREATLY for reading this far. I am really quite stumped so I appreciate your time. If any more information is needed please ask and I will provide. THANK YOU
- I'm in Ontario Canada
- This is my first car, I'm very new to all of this. I don't earn a whole lot, but have some savings as backup.
- 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude/north, 2.4L 4 Cylinder engine 184hp, AWD
- Bought in May 2023 at 75k km/46k miles, currently at 95k km / 60k miles
- It was one of the worst times to buy a used car but I needed it timely. Paid 18k Canadian for it or 13k USD. (plus tax)
- One reported accident back in 2016 with previous owner. "Minor damage involving front or side impact with another vehicle damage to rear right ($11,406cad/$8000)
I recently had it in one of my small repair shops to replace front brakes ($1k), while they had it lifted up, they noticed the rear end was not in great shape and there was fluid leaking all over. They identified it as a differential issue and advised to go to jeep/chrysler directly.
They diagnosed and quoted the need of a full rear end differential replacement for a whooping $6000 Canadian $4400USD, and not only that but the part I need does not even exist right now and needs to be made at the plant, then shipped. Earliest estimate is LATE AUGUST. I can post a photo of the printed quote. The part is labelled as 68545100AB - DIFFERNTL
I have a 3rd party Canadian warrant, Nationwide "essentials" 36months/60k km, which does include power train and differential, and if accepted they would cover $3000. Caveat with that is, while I've been staying on top of the mandatory oil changes, I hadn't read the fine print of the warranty also wanting a transmission fluid change every 12 months, and it is currently the 13th month. Is this enough for them to invalidate the claim? It technically doesn't have anything to do with the trans/motor.
The car DOES drive and I have since refilled the diff fluid, however, it does produce a very audible crunching sound while making turns, and so I have abstained from driving it as much as I possibly can.
What are my options here?
Not have a car until late August, then pay either$3000cad or $6000cad for a new diff?
Used/spare diffs seem VERY rare, and many shops aren't even willing to install/replace them.
Do I just cut my losses and look for something else?
I'm really wanting to love my jeep, but it isn't giving me a whole lot of love back. I've had like 4 issues since buying it last year in May.
Lastly, how does a differential even break down? The only explanation I've been able to get out of the tech's is that there was a fluid leak, all the fluid leaked out and then while it was driving dry, it damaged the internal metal parts. But how does a fluid leak even happen to begin with?
Thank you GREATLY for reading this far. I am really quite stumped so I appreciate your time. If any more information is needed please ask and I will provide. THANK YOU
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