Bent axel

2000 GMC · October 2, 2002

Well got some bad news. The squeak that was coming from my trucks rear end is a bent axel. Was told by the dealers service department that this is not covered by the warranty. This sucks big time. It is going to set me back about $600. Don’t know how this happened? My truck hasn’t even been off road. Service guy told me it was probably bent since I left Alaska but putting over 4000 miles in just over 6 days made the squeak start up. Is there anyway I can call GM and see what they can do? Maybe a defected axel???

nonstop · October 2, 2002

Bent axel?

Are they on drugs?

Did they do an alignment on the truck?

Did they measure anything?

Thats some pretty heavy steel, it just dosen't bend without an enormus amount of force.

And why would this not be covered under warrenty?

I'd be suspious.

Tucson_02Silverado · October 2, 2002

If the truck is still under 36,000 miles then the warranty is bumper to bumper, with exception to tires, batteries, damage caused by abuse. For the axle itself to be bent would indicate that the axlel housing as well is bent usually caused by abuse (off-road or overloaded). If there is no abuse, you'll have to start going through the ranks even to the GM dealer rep (take notes of every conversation with date/time and person spoke to, even if it's on the phone).

If you are beyond 36,000 miles and you have an extended warranty, check the verbage of covered items. The best interpetation of the language is if it is not specifically listed then it is not covered. If this is the case then you have a tougher road. You'll have to deal with the underwriter of the extended warranty.

DuckhunterInTN · October 2, 2002

I'd be leery of that claim, too. I have never in my life heard of an axle bending because you drove it too many miles in too short of a time. What, did it get tired or something? Thats crazy. Unless you were pulling a overloaded trailer or jumping cliffs or something, I would say that they have no case.

MarkD · October 2, 2002

What, did it get tired or something?

LMAO

How many miles do you have on it?

What dealer looked at it?

2000 GMC · October 2, 2002

I told them the same thing, truck has never been off road. I told them to go ahead and fix it. It should be done today. Truck only has 28,000 miles. Only reason is that I still have to get from here, Texas, to Virginia. I took it to the GMC dealer here in El Paso. I have the GM extended warranty and already contacted them. They told it should be coved. They gave me the number to GMC's customer service center. Guy there was really helpful.

I going to pay to them, get my truck back but them I'm calling GMC first thing tomorrow to complain.

Shaners · October 2, 2002

You better get it taken care of (the warranty stuff) before you leave Texas. The warranty people you spoke to on the phone should talk to the service mgr right away.

I wonder if they are hoping to get you on the run... it's illegal but it gets done alot. They charge the stranded traveler, and then bill GM for the parts under warranty!!!

99silveradoz71 · October 3, 2002

As mentioned by others, try to get things resolved there, vs. having to play the long distance game. Obviously when you're traveling you're in a tough spot though.

2000 GMC · October 3, 2002

I contacted GMC customer service. They said since the job has already been done there isn't much that can be done. Service guy said my truck might have been hit on that side and bent the axel or it was done while doing some pretty rough 4 wheeling. There is a dent on that sides rear quarter panel, but the hit isn't enough to have done the damage.

Customer service guy said if I would have called from the dealer they would have worked with the dealer to have the warranty cover it. Wish I would have known that. Anyone have any other ideas or phone numbers on who I can contact at GMC? Only reason I paid was to I could get my truck back. :angry:

nonstop · October 3, 2002

Did you get your old parts, If not I'd get'em and have it checked for trueness.

Bent axel still sounds a little far fetched if you didn't hit anything.

Sounds like a scam to me.

CapnDean · October 4, 2002

Let me guess....you paid em cash eh?

This is EXACTLY why CapnDean uses credit cards! You can dispute the charges if it is a credit card.

That being said: Write a letter to the dealer explaining that you feel that you were unfairly charged for a repair that should have been covered under warranty.

Write a letter to the Extended Warranty folks and explain to them the same thing and request a reimbursement (they will tell you that the regular warranty should cover it..not them). But you will need that for ammo later...{Documetation that you tried to have it covered.}

Then write GM customer service and ask them to rectify the problem. Unless you abused it...you should be covered. I will say that it is possible to bend an axle however... But it's the dealer's place to either 'prove' you abused it...or fix it.

CapnDean