So I noticed a few days ago that the inside of my front wheels had loads of grease in them. Nothing in the rear wheels. Does anyone know if this is normal for a new Jeep? Should I be concerned? Here are a few pictures.
^^^ PhillyAnt's and mine rode out on the same train initially then got split later. I think the important thing is when built. Mine went built pending inspection on 3/21. Perhaps Jeep has a video system at each assembly point to pin point exactly what went wrong, unless a supplier issue. Dunno. Perhaps somewhere a worker is hoarding a house full of clamps for the coming doomsday? LOL
Like others, it is just the two front wheels, not the back wheels.
By the way, anyone know if it is still OK to drive around locally (no long trips) until get to dealer? Also, do they replace the axle and joint assembly because of potential damage to the joint?
BTW, mine is a Laredo E, so it doesn't look related to a certain trim level. Looks like my clamp is there, but it came off somehow. I'm in Md. btw, so not too far from Philly.
asdad I've kept both types of those photos for reference and they look like they come from the same model vehicle. I can't see any differences, except for all the grease in one of them
Here are two more photos.....First I point out the outside clamp covered in grease and not in place (so it slipped off, not broke off). The second you can see the inside clamp is fine and even marked with orange paint to verify whatever tightness it is supposed to have.
@#$%!!! my build date is 3/14...bought it on 4/14/14, last 6 of the VIN is in the 471,000 range. Grease on both front wheels. Noticed it today after going to the car wash.
Can you take some photos? It seems, so far, that the outside clamps came loose but are still intact. Perhaps a tool wasn't calibrated for the correct tightness. Gonna be expensive for Jeep. This counts as my one new vehicle warranty issue... LOL ... everything else seems great and now that I've had the "opportunity" to get underneath and check it out. I was surpassed to see all the unused space under the rear cargo area...seems like the could have made it deeper so you'd have tire storage and an extra storage area on top of the tire.
^^^ Can see in the second one that the clamp is hanging just like mine.....
I'm gonna tell them to check my two back boots too since the front one may have come loose first due to the turning action of the wheels....I'm guessing it is limited to the front ones, but might was well check the back ones too.
This is bad when you pay thousands for a new Jeep this should not happen. I guess when we all buy a new Jeep we need to have it inspected under the frame. I cannot believe the photos that I have seen with all these CV problems on new Jeeps. This isn't good and I am sure there is a lot more that are out there that will never make it to this site to post photos. I am very concerned about this and hope that the issue has been taken care of at the factory. Unreal.
Got around 500, but noticed it around 20. The clamps must have come off right away. I thought it was brake dust and perhaps just a tad extra grease, not the clamp on the boot coming off.
Am I disappointed....a bit. But it is fixable and the rest of the vehicle is fantastic. Again, this counts as my one expected new vehicle warranty issue that would come with just about any vehicle (although this error is kinda stupid, oh well, no outrage here).
Not a cheap fix for Jeep. If I have to leave mine overnight I am going to ask for a decent loaner (that will be my only request....no complaint over the issue, just a decent loaner).
This video might help explain both the cause of the failure (clamp not properly tightened), and why the entire shaft and joint will probably be replaced. Mine was built in April of '13, so I dodged this bullet. The video is a little long, but informative.
so far sounds like build dates 3/14 - 3/26. I think marlon said they put out about 1200 GCs a day or something like that wonder how many per day are being effected? Even for the people that don't read the jeep garage or ever bother to look under their jeep those CVs wont last all that long once the grease is all out of there they will start making noise when they go around turns. Could get expensive and messy for jeep depending on how wide spread it is.
What about all the un-sold units in transit and on dealer lots.
Looks like a bad batch of CV/Half-Shafts from wherever they are made (in JNAP, other Chrysler Plant, 3rd Party). Wonder how big this batch with loose (never crimped down?) boot clamps is?
BTW, I would not worry about reman, re-booted, etc.. You will all get brand-new CV Joint/Half-Shaft assemblies. Nobody is remanning these things and no way JNAP with fart with saving money on a critical vehicle control item. :thumbsup:
I know because I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
As of now, but looks like a bad parts batch so Jeep should know through their parts system. Probably not an "assembly" plant issue per se. They probably are already looking into the issue as I am sure this is not a common thing to suddenly come about. I simple minor thing that will be costly for them.
Just got off the phone with the dealership. They said they have to order both axle shafts were ordered but no promises or eta on when I'll get it back.