envisi0n91

I ordered a rebuilt stage 2 differential with 3.42 from RPM transmissions and it whined on the highway when I first got it, and it's gotten slightly worse over the 800 miles I've had it. Paying top dollar for a quality part installed at a reputable shop, I was hoping that I'd be safer when compared to using a local mechanic and a junkyard diff. After calling RPM immediately after I heard whining, I agreed to monitor it during break in. 800 miles in, it is just loud enough that I can't enjoy the music I play to mask the sound at cruising speed, never mind not being able to listen to the ls1 chugging along on the highway. I was told that RPM doesn't cover labor when processing a warranty claim due to a defect in their work and I'll have to dish out even more money to replace it, along with putting my daily driver out of commission for a week or two while it's done (they won't send me another one since I powder coated the case). Now I'm stuck with double labor costs and not being able to drive my car while they work on it. I have tried negotiating with RPM over the phone but they claim they never pay for labor even though I've seen customers on forums say they've gotten theirs replaced with labor.

The whine occurs during throttle application over a speed range of 50 to 85. It has gotten progressively louder and the speed range is slowly increasing as well. It's not happening at low speeds yet but this is exactly how my previous Getrag started to sound until it just gave up and sounded like a metal on metal cutting sound.

Does anyone have any recommendations or advice on how to approach this situation? I live in Queens NY and if my installer wants to charge the same amount for labor I'm going to have to do some deep thinking

99blkfrc99

99blkfrc99

Robrote

RPM Transmissions warrants that each transmission or differential manufactured or sold by RPM Transmissions will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of 90 days after delivery of the transmission. RPM Transmissions' sole obligation under this warranty shall be to repair or replace, at its option, the defective transmission or differential at no charge to the customer. Under no circumstance will RPM Transmissions be liable for any oil, towing, labor or rental vehicle charges. This may seem extreme, but it is an industry standard due to the many configurations of these transmissions, turbo kits, headers, etc.

runner140*

That's a nightmare....you went to the top name in transmissions and rear ends and still got screwed. Depending on the amount of money involved, I would go to an attorney. It might be worth it.

1999corvettels1

1999corvettels1

Robrote

I'd be pissed too. But RPM did a big CYA with the language on their site. I've never been reimbursed for a part that failed under warranty. It sucks, but as the saying goes, it is what it is.

envisi0n91

This is to vent, and to add to that, a warning to future C5 owners with differential problems, that RPM did make an error and I am going to pay for their error. I ordered the part myself and sent it to the shop, I read all the warranty info on the site and took the risk, and I'm certainly not going to try any legal or credit card shenanigans because legally I have not been wronged.

What I'm talking about is that if I was running a business that relies on reputation I'd take a loss when it came to my failure to check my work or parts in order to preserve the name of the brand.

rrwirsi

With you in NY and RPM is Indiana, it is difficult to pressure them to doing right with you. I learned a lesson in previous MAJOR repairs to stuff, NEVER HAVE AN OUT OF STATE COMPANY REPAIR ANYTHING MAJOR PERIOD. I rather pay someone local (same state) even if it cost more, to do the work. It makes it much easier to resolve the issue amicably. Hoping they finally do right with you.

zeevette

I had the opposite result when buying a built diff. from RKT56. Nothing but helpful, and a verbal agreement that I had no problem with. I did my own install, so the shop situation can be a factor.

TomWoodgeard

My RPM 3:42 rear end has been whining for about 4 years. It started out when it was first put in, but the whine was very faint, and I thought it would go away after some break in miles. I was wrong.
It only whines during very light pedal....as soon as I give it slightly more gas, or slightly let off, the whine temporarily goes away.
I am hoping to save enough money (I'm a cancer patient), to take it to a Corvette specialist (on the west central coast of Florida), and have the lash adjusted.
Right now, I just turn up the radio, and I can barely hear it. I wish I would have turned around and drove back to the installer (on the other coast in Florida) and have them hear it. My bad...............

envisi0n91

Good luck getting that done. I had trouble finding a shop in NY that works on these differentials. Even the "corvette specialists" said theyll remove it and inspect it but they wont take the gears out or adjust them.

keep us updated, maybe it'll be cheaper for me to find someone to do it out of warranty than to pay for labor and shipping.

wishing you good health

robert miller

RPM is one of the best vendors in here I have spent more money with them on rear ends & transmission as anyone person in here. I have always been 100% happy & have been told if anything happens just call us. Just this last year got Todd to bring down to 2017 LS fest a c7 wavetrac rear set up with a 3:42 gear. It has all other stuff has worked like a dream. Man give them a call & talk to Rodney or Todd. I CANT SEE YOU GETTING THIS PROBLEM WORK OUT WITH THEM IN YOUR CAR.. Robert

envisi0n91

Here is a link to a video I made showing the sound i experience right at my cruise speed.

TomWoodgeard

That sounds like mine, only I get it at all speeds with steady throttle. As soon as I let up, or give it gas, it goes away, until I have steady throttle............

envisi0n91

I would like to post an update. RPM told me that although they won't pay for labor they will give me leeway regarding the warranty date as I told them I'm trying to save up for the repair. I finally went back to the shop and had them remove it and sent it back. I got the case polished so I couldn't do a core exchange. RPM fixed it for me and sent it back and even surprised me by covering some but not all of the labor which I appreciate greatly. It does say on their site that they dont cover labor so in this case they went out of their way to help me out. As a result I will go back to them if I need more work done though I hope I never have to.

robert miller

Todd & Rodney I think are some of the best vendors in here they have always been more then upfront & more than willing to me anyone I have seen in here. I myself wouldn't go any place else for a rearend & transmission... Robert