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Car Forum / Dodge / Dodge Trucks / October 2007Differential plug gone
I purchased a 2004 Dakota 4x4 about a year ago. Put about 11,000 km on it since then. Currently has about 48,000 km. Noticed today that the plug/stopper from my rear axle differential was missing. Don't know where it went or how long it's been missing. The truck is always road driven. I cannot touch any fluid when I put my finger into it, but a piece of wire comes back with some oil on it. I haven't noticed any excessive noise, but then again, I haven't really been listening for it. The truck still has power train warranty for a couple of years. I made a couple of anonymous calls to dealers today explaining the situation and asking if warranty would cover it if anything was wrong. Both service departments said I would have to talk to the manager. Both also said they have never heard of a plug falling out. I'm freaking out and terrified that this may somehow void my warranty. I purposely bought this truck because it had warranty. What the hell do I do now? Put oil in the diff, buy a plug, put it in. drive.... >I purchased a 2004 Dakota 4x4 about a year ago. Put about 11,000 km on it >since then. Currently has about 48,000 km. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > What the hell do I do now? > I purchased a 2004 Dakota 4x4 about a year ago. Put about 11,000 km > on it since then. Currently has about 48,000 km. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > What the hell do I do now? I don't think it's likely that it fell out without some help. Do you ever get your oil changed at one of those Jiffy-Lube type places or had any work done at a Midas shop? Some of them do a free "courtesy inspection" on all your fluids hoping to sell you more than what you originally came in for. They might have checked the fluid level and never re-installed the plug. For piece of mind I think I'd change the gear lube when replacing the plug.  SignatureKen >I purchased a 2004 Dakota 4x4 about a year ago. Put about 11,000 km on it >since then. Currently has about 48,000 km. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >What the hell do I do now? I would pull the cover and take a look see for any damage. If the metal shavings etc are minimal I would clean it out and replace the plug and fluid. If they are more than minimal and everything looks and sounds ok then I would do the same and change the fluid again in about a month. beekeep Nobody got this right. I would check for a damaged or plugged vent for rear axle as it may have plugged up and over pressured when it warmed up and popped the plug out. >I purchased a 2004 Dakota 4x4 about a year ago. Put about 11,000 km on it >since then. Currently has about 48,000 km. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >What the hell do I do now? ----------------- TheSnoMan.com > Nobody got this right. I would check for a damaged or plugged vent for > rear axle as it may have plugged up and over pressured when it warmed > up and popped the plug out. I think it would pop the vent hose off before it blew out a threaded solid steel pipe plug. I could be wrong but I just don't see it happening. SignatureKen over pressures and poped the plug out(your nuts snowman) how can a threaded plug pop out the only way it can come out is if the threads were gone or was not tight and it would unscrew and fall off not pop out under pressure also if it built up too much pressure it would blow the axle seals or pinion seal first not blow the plug. -- Message posted using http://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.dodge.trucks/ More information at http://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html > over pressures and poped the plug out(your nuts snowman) how can a > threaded plug pop out the only way it can come out is if the threads were [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Message posted usinghttp://www.talkaboutautos.com/group/alt.autos.dodge.trucks/ > More information athttp://www.talkaboutautos.com/faq.html Come on, the answer came from Snoman, it MUST be right! Snoman, is this answer based off your vast technical abilities? The same abilities that you told Roy he lacked? The same abilities that led you to tell a poster to trade in a truck due to a bad $30 sensor? >> over pressures and poped the plug out(your nuts snowman) how can a >> threaded plug pop out the only way it can come out is if the threads were [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > same abilities that you told Roy he lacked? The same abilities that > led you to tell a poster to trade in a truck due to a bad $30 sensor? God I hate to do this but in SnoIdiots defence it is a rubber plug that just pops in. "BUT" I do think he's full of sh.t about the vent plugged and the heat and the resulting pressure forced it out. That is stuff for Grimm's Fairy Tales. Somebody just forgot to put it back in when they checked the level. To the original poster, get a quart or two of fluid, fill it up and put and new plug in it. Drive on and be happy. If there was any damage you would have heard the noise. Denny > >> over pressures and poped the plug out(your nuts snowman) how can a > >> threaded plug pop out the only way it can come out is if the threads were [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > - Show quoted text - I was not refering to the pop off valve Denny. BUT yes, if the only thing in question or debate here was the vent valve then yes, all said would be logically correct. However, from what has been indicated it sounds like the fill plug was what was/is missing. Sorry, but the amount of force (read pressure) that would need to be created to blow out a properly inserted (threaded) fill plug would have likely damaged the diff housing. SO, like you and others have indicated, the OP should buy some diff lube, making sure he gets the correct type, as he may or may not have an LSD, fill it to the proper level and put in a new fill plug. HOWEVER, at this point, the locigal thing to do would be to pop the diff cover off and inspect it as there is no indication how long it has been like this. But all is forgiven Denny, since you and Snoball are such great friends. I won't hold this against you. <bg> >> >> over pressures and poped the plug out(your nuts snowman) how can a >> >> threaded plug pop out the only way it can come out is if the threads [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > I was not refering to the pop off valve Denny. Neither was I. I'm fairly sure the fill hole just has a rubber plug stuck in it. But that's ok Larry, I know you and the snoidiot are like brothers..... <GBMFG> Denny BUT yes, if the only > thing in question or debate here was the vent valve then yes, all said > would be logically correct. However, from what has been indicated it [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > But all is forgiven Denny, since you and Snoball are such great > friends. I won't hold this against you. <bg> > >> "azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] > it. But that's ok Larry, I know you and the snoidiot are like brothers..... > <GBMFG> Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. Thanks for causing me to chuck my lunch, f#$%ing wabbit! <BG> >> >> "azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 54 lines] > > Thanks for causing me to chuck my lunch, f#$%ing wabbit! <BG> Larry, don't forget that the friggin' rabbit and the Idiot are neighbors. IIrc the wide ride spent a few day's of his vacation sorta shacked up with the Idiot and "the machine". Ya gotta expect that after the serious bonding that took place, there is lot of admiration flowing between them. <GBMFG> Roy then they must have changed it between 2000 then back again to 2007. My son's old 2000 Dakota, current 98 Dakota, and my 2007 Dakota all have rubber plugs. I've never looked at the 2004 though. >> >> "azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 54 lines] > > Thanks for causing me to chuck my lunch, f#$%ing wabbit! <BG> >>>>"azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. Last you checked on what, a 2004 Dakota? Your Chevy? You never know what you're talking about. > >>"azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 52 lines] > > - Show quoted text - I never know what I am talking about huh? And you know what I do all day every day to make that statement? I know that you suck on Snoballs dick every day. :) >> >>"azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] > day every day to make that statement? > I know that you suck on Snoballs dick every day. :) And how exactly do you know that?!?!?!?!?! :-0 SignatureIf at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving >> >> "azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 59 lines] > > Thanks for causing me to chuck my lunch, f#$%ing wabbit! <BG> My '97 Dakota has a rubber plug that just pushes into the hole on the differential cover. Ken > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. Every 9.25" rear differential I've seen has had a rubber plug in the diff cover. Don't know if it's a 9.25, but my '03 Dak has a rubber plug. >> Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. > > Every 9.25" rear differential I've seen has had a rubber plug in the diff > cover. > > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. > > Every 9.25" rear differential I've seen has had a rubber plug in the diff > cover. Fine, so I was mistaken about this. Is everyone happy now? Though as I recall my 95 had a screw in, but who cares. >> > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Fine, so I was mistaken about this. Is everyone happy now? > Though as I recall my 95 had a screw in, but who cares. OK, snowjr. 8>) beekeep > >> > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > beekeep WRONG, hey won't post ANYTHING with an admission of ANY type that would indicate he was wrong. Now, go back to calling scores on football games would ya. >> >> > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. >> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >would indicate he was wrong. >Now, go back to calling scores on football games would ya. Hey, give me a break, I called the skins offense scoring one TD right on the money! Now go back to chasing road runners. beep beep beekeep > >> >> > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Chasing them is more fun then working or being in here, now if I could only get Acme to start paying me for using and promoting their products! >> >> >> > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. >> [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >only get Acme to start paying me for using and promoting their >products! I'd be careful using those Acme products. The way they work makes you think that they are manufatured by snowman. beekeep > >> >> > Last I checked, the fill plug was a threaded plug. > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Chasing them is more fun then working or being in here, now if I could only get Acme to start paying me for using and promoting their products! Then I suggest that you look again. The DC 9 1/2 rear just uses a rubber plug now for the fill. SignatureIf at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving >> >> "azwiley1" <wiley...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 54 lines] > > Thanks for causing me to chuck my lunch, f#$%ing wabbit! <BG> > Then I suggest that you look again. The DC 9 1/2 rear just uses a rubber > plug now for the fill. [quoted text clipped - 66 lines] > > - Show quoted text - And I suggest you stfu and stop coming into a thread so late. >> I was not refering to the pop off valve Denny. > >Neither was I. I'm fairly sure the fill hole just has a rubber plug stuck in >it. But that's ok Larry, I know you and the snoidiot are like brothers..... ><GBMFG> Natural mistake, Larry... Buggs does pop off a lot here... *eg* mac Please remove splinters before emailing >over pressures and poped the plug out(your nuts snowman) how can a >threaded plug pop out the only way it can come out is if the threads were >gone or was not tight and it would unscrew and fall off not pop out under >pressure also if it built up too much pressure it would blow the axle >seals or pinion seal first not blow the plug. This was based on I have seen several Dodges with a pressure in rubber fill plugs. Obviuosly if it is a threaded plug it did not blow out. ----------------- TheSnoMan.com >> Nobody got this right. I would check for a damaged or plugged vent for >> rear axle as it may have plugged up and over pressured when it warmed >> up and popped the plug out. > >I think it would pop the vent hose off before it blew out a threaded solid >steel pipe plug. I could be wrong but I just don't see it happening. Logic seems to tell me that if there was pressure on the plug, it wouldn't vibrate loose because there was pressure against the threads? mac Please remove splinters before emailing > On Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:45:51 -0400, "Nosey" > <kfrei43@removethis.hotmail.com> [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Logic seems to tell me that if there was pressure on the plug, it wouldn't > vibrate loose because there was pressure against the threads? Bro, are you out of your mind?? You attempt to introduce logic here?? <VBG> Oh, here's a bit of info I came across. Seems that there have been more suicids of Viet Nam vet's since that deal ended than were killed during it. I read 59K. Of course GB cut's the VA's budget and closes hospitals. Roy > mac > > Please remove splinters before emailing >> Logic seems to tell me that if there was pressure on the plug, it wouldn't >> vibrate loose because there was pressure against the threads? [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >Roy Yeah.. I thought about that after I posted it.. Sort of like military intelligence or jumbo shrimp.. mac Please remove splinters before emailing >Oh, here's a bit of info I came across. Seems that there have been more >suicids of Viet Nam vet's since that deal ended than were killed during it. >I read 59K. Of course GB cut's the VA's budget and closes hospitals. > >Roy hmm.. another screwing of the baby boomers, huh? I've had 3 friends die of cancer that had Agent Orange in their tumors.. In 2 cases the VA hospital conveniently lost the biopsy samples before court time.. Makes me wonder how many of those suicides were from the "normal" past war thing and how many were terminal from cancer and other sh.t they got in Nam that took the faster way out.. mac Please remove splinters before emailing > Logic seems to tell me that if there was pressure on the plug, it wouldn't > vibrate loose because there was pressure against the threads? Not so. Applying pressure to a loose plug, bolt, screw etc. can cause it to turn. But I believe the pressure required to push it all he way out would be greater than the seals. Also if the plug were tightened I do not believe the pressure inside would be great enough to loosen it. I work in force measurement. Part of the product testing involves generating force through use of a bolt against a force transducer that measures such force. If left sitting the bolt will eventually turn itself loose. Do this: Go buy a new or used plug and a quart of synthetic 75/90W gear lube. Fill the differential(s) to where it just starts to over flow (both front and rear if required - they both take the same weight). Install the new or used plug and drive it for a week or so. Then take it to a dealership you trust or any place you trust that can honor the warranty and have them do a fluid change on it. The differential fluids are supposed to be changed every 15k miles anyway. And while you are there have them do the transmission as well (automatics are done at 15k as well). I don't know what the schedule is for manual transmissions but it is probably the same. This will make them responsible if anything happens after that. I would NOT go in there without a plug in the hole though. They will look at that as a real bad thing and may work harder to figure out what to tell you as to why your warranty is void than actually doing any real work on the vehicle. Get a plug from a wrecking yard. There has to be a Dodge in one of them somewhere. You may find a lot more Fords than anything else then a few Chevys. I'm certain there is a Dodge in one though. In the mean time put some grease in there and plug that damn hole with something. Use a wine cork or something - just get it plugged now. >I purchased a 2004 Dakota 4x4 about a year ago. Put about 11,000 km on it >since then. Currently has about 48,000 km. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > What the hell do I do now? > Do this: Go buy a new or used plug and a quart of synthetic 75/90W gear > lube. Fill the differential(s) to where it just starts to over flow (both [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > This will make them responsible if anything happens after that. Yep, this is the honest way to do it... I bet your Mom would be proud of you, huh....Cover up the problem and then take it to a place you trust and then screw them to death.... Denny I would NOT > go in there without a plug in the hole though. They will look at that as > a real bad thing and may work harder to figure out what to tell you as to [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] >> >> What the hell do I do now? Honesty has nothing to do with it. the dealership was probably the one that installed it back incorrectly thus causing it to fall out. I've been there with a differential rebuild and drive shaft incorrectly installed. That could have killed me. Besides that, a stupid rubber plug is less than a half-assed way of doing it anyway. It should be a screw in plug. Chrysler has always taken the short way of doing things and are the last ones to make a recall on any design issue - 1st. generation Neon head gasket for example. When you get a warranty on something and crap like this happens who's fault is it anyway!! That plug was probably never there when the guy bought the truck in the first place. And do NOT elaborate on the 121 point check list crap either. I've been there too. Bad headlight and bad brake light bulbs on a nice little used Dakota from a dealership "AFTER" one of those check lists was completed. I had to point both problems out to the technician before I left and he tried to tell me they worked before I left the lot. I NEVER left the lot. I pointed both issues out to him not 10 minutes after he was finished. The 121 check point is some idiot sitting there checking off boxes and never looking at anything on the vehicle. Honesty? sh.t, that is supposed to work both ways. No, that plug was probably missing off the lot and nobody caught it until now. You pay big bucks for those warranties and should get something in return. You should also expect to get what you pay for - not less. I also bet the maintenance history shows that truck was last serviced at this dealership and the differential grease was changed. >> Do this: Go buy a new or used plug and a quart of synthetic 75/90W gear >> lube. Fill the differential(s) to where it just starts to over flow [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] >>> >>> What the hell do I do now? > Honesty has nothing to do with it. the dealership was probably the one > that installed it back incorrectly thus causing it to fall out. I've been [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > also bet the maintenance history shows that truck was last serviced at > this dealership and the differential grease was changed. A little touchy aren't we... must have struck a nerve. I guess I remember something about two wrongs making a right......or something like that.. Have fun Denny >> Honesty has nothing to do with it. the dealership was probably the >> one that installed it back incorrectly thus causing it to fall out. [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > Denny Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do! Ken >>> Honesty has nothing to do with it. the dealership was probably the one >>> that installed it back incorrectly thus causing it to fall out. I've [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] >> > Two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts do! <BFG> Denny |
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