2019 base model...

So, I went into a grease monkey near me with my own oil to do an oil change. I brought my own because they did not have the correct oil stock, and I dont have room for my oil changes any more...
While I am there, I get talked into a rear differential flush. I have definitely done some spirited driving since buying the car new. Im the only owner, and know that there were quite a few "hard" launches. So, sure! Why not?! Fresh fluid cant hurt, and I get some extra peace of mind.... They change the fluid per their computer specs.

Shortly there after, a grinding noise comes from the car. Im not 100% sure where from, but this started right after the rear diff fluid change. I take it back to grease monkey and we call Chevy and they have indeed put the wrong fluid in... But surely that cant ruin my differential in 1,000 miles. They replace the fluid...

Well, the grinding continues. I dont have room to check much myself. Today, car has an appointment with Chevy. Guess whats wrong... The diff is absolutely trash. Why? Wrong fluid put in by Grease Monkey.

I am looking at $5,500 in damages (I need an entire new differential, per Chevy's recommendation).

So, here is the part I am here for. How do I make sure that Grease Monkey pays for this? I changed the fluid early (@20k miles) per their recommendation, and now I am screwed. Id like to not have to go through a lawyer, but I thought I would check here first for advice and experiences. I have the original receipts, and can 100% prove they put in the wrong fluid (75/140 with limited slip additive). I have no car for the next week.

As it stands, I have sent the local shop a copy of my invoices and a copy of the estimate from Chevy.

Anyway, hit me with what you have advice or experience wise. And any prayers..... I will certainly need them.

The take away so far is to always take your own fluids for everything, because damn!

 

No, the take away here is to never let 'quick-change' outlets such as Grease Monkey, Jiffy Lube etc touch your C7.

 

I wouldn't even let the dealer do my free oil changes on my new GS. I couldn't ever imagine a quick lube joint even putting air in my tires. Op I hope grease monkey steps up and takes responsibility.

 

So cliffs: You gave the local shop the 75 90 AC Delco fluid, they talked you into a "flush", and after this magical flush they used brandX 75 140 diff fluid which blew out your rear end in a span of 1,000 miles? I've tracked the hell out of GM diffs with Royal Purple 75 140 diff fluids in 5th gen Camaros, I've never seen this issue. Are you sure it was the fluid viscosity and not a lack of fluid? I'm not saying put in 75 140 while GM tells you to use 75 90, but that time span and distance doesn't make much sense. I suppose if you can prove they used the wrong fluid, you have a case, but I guess I'd like to hear from C7 diff experts about this. Good luck to you bud

 

Sorry, but what were you thinking when you let them do a diff change. They must have given you a great price... we will charge only $5,500. Good luck ! Paul

 

No, OP went in with his own engine oil for them to change and they talked him into diff service.

 

Thank you much. Makes more sense now. Sorry, been at my desk working on documents since 5:30am. My reading comprehension is low at this point. Still, the 75 140 damage isn't making sense to me. But I've never run that in my vette, so interested in hearing from people who know the C7 diffs better than I do

 

Doesnt matter, C7 rear gearbox differential are bullet proof but they need alot of that stiky gue stinky spec oil to proper lvl. Drive and check again lvl.

 

Here’s what I would do,

1. BE NICE VERY NICE
2. talk to the manager and put everything in writing even documenting your conversations after they’ve taken pace.
3. Get the regional manager or district manager etc in in all communications and on all of them cc your attorney even if you don’t have one ☝️

 

Usually rear diff is drain and refill. I read they said flush - wonder what they used to flush out the old oil?

 

I agree with approaching the owner of the shop and explain what has happened and ask for his assistance in resolving the ruined diff problem. Not sure, but maybe his insurance will cover this.

In any case, best of luck getting this resolved and your car back on the road.

 

So - I'll suggest you read thru posts here on CF where people have taken their car to Jiffy Lube (and other similar chains), and the chain has screwed up and damaged the car big time - it seems that they typically do not own up to it - it seems that most of the time they lawyer up. I'd say to expect that kind of treatment when they realize that they are looking at a >$5K claim.

IMHO - Step one - scan all relevant documents into your PC, and print out copies - hang onto the originals - they may be needed in court. If you hand Grease Monkey "Management" the originals - you may never see them again.

Knowing that they may be out to avoid paying - when you meet with the Grease Monkey manager - consider recording the discussion. Depending on your state law - the recording may or may not be admissible, in a courtroom, but if you have to hire a lawyer - it might be helpful.

If you feel you're getting screwed with - don't be afraid to push back, but do so professionally. If they seem to be stalling you can try the comeback that you are going to rent another Corvette to use while this is being settled, and that cost is going to be included in your claim.


GOOD LUCK !!!!

 

Is it a manual? I have a manual diff with 6K miles from a Z06. PM me if interested. Sorry to hear what happened but I'm sure grease monkey will have to foot the bill.

 

Send some of that oil to blackstone to be tested showing exactly what oil it is. If you can prove they used the wrong oil you have a better Case

 

Legally I do not think you can win. As strange has it may sound I believe even if you take your car in for an oil change and let say they do not tighten the drain plug and oil leaks on your way home and the engine is ruined...the company which changed the oil is NOT legally resp.

 

Speak with the Manager go over all the details, paperwork, etc. Also speak with a Lawyer and get an opinion on recouping the money for the repairs.

 

???

What would ever give you that idea?

The first goal here for the OP should be to avoid the need for litigation. Litigation should be the last resort. BUT, if Grease Monkey won't cover the repairs even when presented with evidence that it was their incorrect diff fluid change that caused the failure, then litigation may be the only answer. It's always about proof of negligence. If the plaintiff (in this case, the OP) can prove a.) Grease Monkey was negligent, and b.) That negligence caused the damages, then Grease Monkey will be held liable for the damages that can be proven. Same would be true if they left the drain plug off from an oil change or whatever else.

The problem is cases are rarely crystal clear. We all have to expect Grease Monkey will either deny their fault entirely, or say that the wrong fluid wasn't the sole cause of the entire diff blowing. We have to expect if presented with a demand to pay for a total new diff to the tune of $5500, they will contact their lawyers and put up a fight. I hope that isn't what happens, but it is what I would expect. The ideal situation is that they accept responsibility, file an insurance claim, and cover the OP's repairs.

The OP needs to prepare by getting the cause of the failure nailed down by a qualified mechanic. Get it in writing, not just orally. Then the OP is almost certainly going to have to pay out of pocket for the repairs up front unless Grease Monkey does the totally unexpected and agrees to pay without a fight. Finally, the OP will have to pursue repayment/reimbursement from Grease Monkey on the back end, plus damages and attorney's fees. It could be a long road, but at least he will start on the right foot.

 

I agree with the others,,,NEVER take a Corvette to any of the those quick lube joints. Just so all of us know, what exactly did they fill your diff with? And what weight fluid? I DIY changed my diff fluid last week and used the recommended Delco 75W-90. I hope you get them to pay for their mistakes. Good luck

 

You should get a different car. WTF were you thinking?!?!?!?

 

I was thinking I dont have the room for an oil change living in an apartment downtown in a city. I had to take it somewhere.
As far as the diff goes, I have done the service before. Drain diff, fill diff. Its not hard. I literally didnt have anywhere to do said change. I watched them remove fluid. I watched them verify it was empty. I watched them check for debris. I watched them put fluid back in. I heard them verify via computer which fluid to put in. I verified everything was tight. You cant get much more **** than I was with the whole process except for 2 things.... Verifying ON MY OWN which fluid to put in, and bringing my own fluid. Thats it. The oil change went perfect. I have no complaints there. No everyone owns a damn 4 post lift with on site old oil storage. Get over this whole "you took it to a fluid place!?!" mentality. Chevy dealerships break cars too. Everywhere does. People make mistakes. What matters is how they rectify that mistake. These companies literally do millions of fluid changes without incident. If they broke every car that went in, they wouldnt still be in service. Chevy, regardless of what you believe, is not a car that is supposed to need to go through a $30,000 service...

Obviously people have had bad experiences. I am looking for how to make the best of this situation. If you want to rag on me for not being a millionaire, this is the wrong post. Some of us plebeians need to take our vehicles out for service once in a while.