So I was just quoted nearly $600 parts/labor to replace the front right hub bearings on my 2012 Laredo. I told the service writer I had the lifetime MaxCare warranty to cover it.
When he looked, he said the bearings are listed as a "wear part." Well, everything "wears," if that's the case. I mean, I can see tires, gaskets, filters, plugs and other such soft parts as wear items. But how does this job not fall under (their phrase) "if it's mechanical, it's covered"?
Anyway, just wanted to vent--and solicit advice, of course, if anyone has gotten this job covered.
Check your contract and see if they are actually listed as excluded. If yes, nothing you can really do. If not I would contact customer service. I would also check the price somewhere else. I don't know the price of the part, but I do know that when my left front was replaced (still under warranty) it only took the time for me to have a couple of cups of coffee.
Thanks, Bill. I'll check. The labor cost was going to be $260. Of course they also quoted me $20 labor to install a new ($26) windshield-washer nozzle, so I think they kind of "round up."
Just checked my MaxCare contract. Under covered parts:
FRONT SUSPENSION: Struts; Strut Mounting Plates,
Bushings and Bearings; Upper and Lower Control Arms;
Control Arm Shafts; Control Arm Bushings; Upper and
Lower Ball Joints; Front Wheel Bearings.
Thanks jacko15. Just called the number on my warranty card, and the guy confirmed it is covered under Labor Operation Code 22450104. He said to have the dealership call to confirm its authorization.
Followed up with a message to the service writer and am waiting for (hopefully) good news.
I appreciate you posting that wording. My contract is in the glove compartment at the shop, so you saved me a couple of round trips!
I wouldn't necessarily jump ship without first speaking to the service manager. I agree that the service writers should know what's covered. But odds are he asked somebody one day and that is what he was told.
And, there is probably someone at the next dealership that will have the wrong answer about that or something else.
It is sad, but that is the state of the American work place today.
When will people learn that extended warranties are a rip off :bash::bash: The front bearings are encapsulated meaning the whole hub has to be replaced. It's a relatively easy job that any competent mechanic can do.
Or shoot me the last 8 of your vin, last name and miles and ill check it in chrysler's system to see if its covered.
I almost think the washer nozzle is covered also I can check.
I just about totally rebuilt a 2012 WK2 with 120,000miles today that had lifetime maxcare warranty it is a awesome warranty to buy, if it says anything about lifetime maxcare that a jeep master tech even buys it on every vehicle he buys.
I appreciate all the input and offers of help. It turns out it was fully covered for the hub bearings. Service writer says he plugged in the part number and saw no coverage, but when he used the Labor Operation Code it showed covered. They did both sides, and didn't ask for a co-pay/deductible.
I should probably have had them do the nozzle, but had already ordered the $15 Dorman set, as I'd read it had a better spray pattern and was easy to do. Took me <15 min to do both.
Still troubled by the fact that they couldn't reproduce the no start problem. I told them they could keep it as long as needed to do so, but they passed. I've had 4 occurrences just since picking it up. But that's beyond the scope of this post.
Even if I don't use it, I feel good about being able to drive for at least 6 yrs or 100k and not have to anticipate or worry about most any big thing that could go wrong.... By that time I'll be on the hunt for something else.
I thought Maximum Care excluded normal wear and tear? I guess that then becomes the issue, is this a result of normal wear and tear, or it premature failure (which clearly is covered)?
Also, people saying that their warranties have paid for themselves 3x over in 100K miles... not exactly a good thing to hear. If anything, means you either got a lemon or FCA's quality sucks. I guess my family has been pretty lucky and hasn't had any major repair bills like that on our older vehicles.
WHAT’S NOT COVERED UNDER OUR MAXIMUM CARESM PLANS
The only parts and labor not covered:
• Maintenance services and items used in such services
• Wear items (such as tires, manual clutch assembly, brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, belts and wipers)
• Snow plows, winches and trailer hitches • Body and paint items, including soft trim • Glass and plastic lenses