Quote:
Originally Posted by sckt
I just got off the phone with the dealer. Last time they had it. The parts dept gave the mechanic the wrong fluid. (I'd say that is the mechanic's fault. He should have checked the parts before using them) They used a fluid without LSD additive.
They have changed the fluid again and want to keep it one more day to do a cold start drive.
I asked about damage. They pulled the cover and didn't find any clutch particles so they feel like no damage was done.
Any thoughts?
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What does the owner's manual say about the diff fluid spec?
I know the dealer should know what the right fluid is, but it doesn't hurt to discuss in advance what should be used. Some Chevy dealers have minimal experience with Camaros.
When I had my diff fluid changed, I discovered that they were about to use the wrong fluid and I had to correct them. They are supposed to go by what the database tells them by VIN, but some mechanics "think" they know better and skip that step, particularly on routine items like fluids.
As for your dealer's claim that no damage was done, I'm not buying it, necessarily. How long did you drive with the wrong fluid and how bad was the noise? Now that they've admitted their mistake, I would politely ask them to replace the clutch pack. The problem is, damage will be impossible to prove. As the clutch pack wears, what happens is gradual reduction in the posi-traction performance. It will take more torque to lock up. It's not a step function from lockup to open diff. If they refuse to replace the clutch pack, you should consider whether you care about reduced LSD performance. If you don't race, maybe this is a non-issue. Nothing is broken; it's just that you may have less torque transfer from the spinning tire to the planted tire.
Finally, let me add that you will always have some moan when cold. A grippy LSD is going to moan when it's cold, and will be silent once it is warmed up, except maybe a little noise on sharp turns in reverse. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.