I took my 2001 in yesterday to get the Harmonic Balancer replaced under warranty. While it was in the shop I asked that they change the differential fluid (at my cost) and check the transmission. I told them that on the transmission I noticed what looked like a mist of transmission fluid surrounding the transmission pan. I said that if it was caused from a leaky pan gasket to replace the gasket, fluid and filter (at my cost) otherwise just change flush the fluid out. They said if I brought the car in yesterday morning at 7:00am that they would have everthing done by the end of the day in all probability since the Balancer was only about a 2-hour job.

Results:
They called yesterday afternoon and said that they needed to keep the car overnight that the Balancer was more like an 8 hour vs a 2 hour job. He said "We have to drop the crossmember and the steering rack to get to it and we did not know that" (I already knew the steering rack would need to be dropped). I also just noticed in the invoice that it says "Reset Toe after dropping steering rack"

Today the service advisior called and said the car was ready and that the Balancer was completed as well as the Differntial Fluid swap for a total of $177.88 including my $100 deductable (as estimated). Regarding the transmission, he said that it appears to be more serious than a leaking gasket - that it looks like a seal needs to be replaced. He said that would be covered under warranty; however, "We do not have a Transmission guy right now so either we would need to schedule another visit or I might need to leave the car there for at least a week or so". Therefore, I obviously decided to pick the car up.

While there I spoke with the Service Manager and asked it I had to come in a second time because they do not have a full staff, if I would be charged the $100 deductable again. He said normally "Yes", but to come see him at the time and he would see if he could get that taken care of. So far so good...

Then he said that "It is really hard to find someone who WANTS to work on a Corvette C5 Transmission since they are unique and we have a hard time finding someone who will agree to work on one" and that I may need to leave the car for several days (I guess while they train someone on my car?). - now I am not feeling very confident about taking the car back in for THAT service?

Then on the way home I noticed that I have about one-inch of play in my steering wheel while driving straight where I can move it back and forth and get no reaction. This behavior was not there before and I am sure it is a result of having dropped the steering rack? Any idea what might cause this to occur so I can teel them what to look for - since I am pretty sure this was their first time doing this?

Also, on the Transmission, do I have to use the Dealership if I have the GMPP Extended Warranty?

 

Sounds like they didn't get something right when reinstalling the rack. I'd take it back to them for that, but I don't think I'd go there again. I'd call GMPP and tell them that you took it in for a transmission leak and harmonic balancer, but they didn't have a transmission guy. Then ask them if they would waive the 100.00 ded so you could take it to another place. This dealership doesn't seem to know much...thinking the harmonic balancer was a 2hr job and it ended up an 8 hr job. Now they THINK your transmission might be more than a pan gasket, but don't know for sure????? After you get them to fix the steering rack, I'd never go back to them.
jeff

 

Suggest you strongly consider finding another dealership. Look for one in your area that sells more than just an occasional corvette. If you can't find one close, then I'd suggest you consider traveling some distance to find a dealer experienced in, and willing to perform service work on, a corvette.

 

Check to see if the rack is bolted in properly. There are two bolts that hold it to the cross member. If they are loose you get some interesting steering affects.

Bill

 

I am not familiar with the steering rack assy. When they "drop" it to work on the Balancer, just this just entail removing two bolts? If so, how could anything get messed up in the steering (unless the bolts also set a position adjustmemt)?

 

I agree with this, 100%. The dealer didn't know it was more than a 2 hour job? They can't find someone who wants to work on a Corvette transmission? Give me a break. I live in a town with 2 Chev dealerships and the biggest one has the worst service. The smaller dealership has been excellent and have TWO dedicated Corvette mechanics. I asked to speak to the one doing the balancer on my car and they obliged without hesitation. I think you need a new place to take your car...this ain't right.

 

I have found that the dealer is the worst place to get big item worked on like Tran's and Rear diffs.

look for a trans specialty shop in your area that is recommended by some other vette members.

Take it there...

I just found that GMPP will pay if it is at a ASE certified shop.