I took my truck in to have the pass. side axle seal replaced. It was covered under the extended powertrain warranty. Well, they couldn't seperate the bearing from the hub to relace the seal. To their credit they called me and asked me this first. They said there is a "possibility" that it could be damaged upon removal and THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW BEARING/HUB ASSEMBLY if it is damaged. Disputed with them and called chrystlers 800 customer service line. That fella was not too helpful but did tell me that any internal part of the axle would be covered under the warranty. The dealer told me that the hub bearing is not internal, which it isn't. If they damaged the bearing it would run around $450. Why should I have to pay for something that they tear up on removal. Any help please guys! Even if you tell me I have to bite it and can't do anything.

Truck- 2002 4X4 2500 HO diesel 6 spd, dana 60 front

Thanks, Jeff
GO ARMY

 

Removal of the hub bearing assembly from the axle is a royal pain if the rig was ever run in salt water, such as road salt used on ice or in beach sand, mudded, or has more than 30,000 miles on the front axle and bearing assembly where you live in a humid climate like Georgia.

What happens is the axle rusts and bonds to the inner bearing races, and then has to be coaxed loose with a press; or if it is a low rent hammer mechanic operation, with a slide hammer and chain. Either way the bearing pack is ruined and has to be replaced.
It would have been much better if the shop was up front and told you it was a 100% certainty that the hub bearing pack would be ruined when removed from the axle. It would have prepared you for reality.

 

Powertrain warranty usually means engine/trans. Axle seal covered under warranty? If an axle seal is covered under the extended powertrain warranty then I would think that the bearing would be covered. Now if you were to drive it and the bearing failed because the seal blew out, then the bearing sould be covered? Right?

 

If they damage the bearing taking it off , they can warranty it with the axle seal labour operation. Been there , done that....lots.You can get them off by loosening the 4 bolts and with the same socket(or a spare impact one) and a 1/2 inch 3" extension ; strike the half loosened bolts with a hammer and it'll push the bearing out(pain in the butt but worth it)

 

I would check with your extended warranty, all the ones I deal with at our dealership will cover a wheel bearing, they dont want to cover it if the dealer breaks it, but how's to say it wasnt bad. If the axle seal was leaking you could have a bad bearing also. Tell the to grow a sack and call your ext warranty!