Front Differential Replacement (leaking seals)

[resler]

17,000 miles and I noticed some oil leakage on the garage floor. Took it in and was told I needed seals replaced. I was informed this was the 2nd such time they saw such a problem. Got a call a few hrs. later and was informed the due to scoring, it was determined it would be best to replace the front differential. Obviously, this is a major problem and I wonder if anyone else has heard of similar issues.

 

[rk2112]

My father has a CX-7 and it was leaking. They replaced the transfer case. He is picking it up tomorrow. Hopefully it will fix the problem.

 

[resler]

Looks like a problem . . .

Interesting, they replaced mine due to scoring from dirt which gets in the transfer case due to the bad seals. The cost is covered by warranty, if not, I understand the cost would be in excess of $5K. Needless to say, lucky for us it's covered by warranty but it makes you wonder why this issue is happening, especially, on a car with only 17K miles. And, they also had to replace my catalytic converter as something was seized up due to heat, apparently, related to the problem (or replacement thereof). Not sure I want this one after the lease . . .

 

[MSTswamp]

This definitly sounds like an issue with the transfer case.

Here is the history of mine: Posted in the Lounge area

History of Problems:
3750 miles: First sign of oil leak, dealer thought was oil filter cartridge, was actually this time the start of transfer case leak. Down time (1 day)
4175 miles: Still have oil leak problem, diagnosed and determined removal and replacement of transfer case. Down time (35 days)
5565 miles: Performance issues, shift problems, door seals. Down time (2 days)
6414 miles: Door seals. Down time (3 days)
8154 miles: Chrome peeling off engine cover emblem. No down time
9571 miles: LCD touch screen display not working. Replaced navigation system. Down time (5 days)
14281 miles: Oil leak again from same location as previous leaks. Dye put in to transfer case to locate leak. Drove for a few miles to have dye take effect. Down time (2 days)
14806 miles: Check for leak after installation of dye. Down time (4 days)
15485 miles: Still have oil leak from same location as previous leaks. May have to install new seals in transfer case was determined. Down time (1 day)
16235 miles: Removal of transfer case and all new oil seals installed. Down time (8 days)
19750 miles: Noise from transfer case. Dealer wanted new tires installed first due to road noise from tires. Could not purchase tires at this time due to holidays.
22757 miles: Transfer case noise extremely bad at this time. New tires have been purchased and installed. Dealer diagnosed and determined internal damage in transfer case. Removal and replacement is the current action being taken. Took to dealer on 1/28/08, dealer still has vehicle waiting on parts.
Total Amount Of Down Time At Dealership: As of 2/2/08 (67 days)

Lemon Law currently being processed.

I hate to say it, but I don't think I am going to replace mine with another Mazda if I get my money back.

 

[MSTswamp]

Just got 7 back on 2/07/08, dealer had for 10 days replacing the transfer case.
In the past have had the transmission reflashed twice for shift and lag problems. Since it was in for repairs dealer checked and there was another software update for transmission. Update number SW-SW31TJ000. Much better shift since the last 2 reflashes. (headbang)
If anyone is still complaining of lag and shift problems, have dealer check for most current software.

By the way, still filing Lemon Law Claim. Waiting for BBB to contact me and let me know what they decide.

 

[erhayes]

Was the problem with the "transfer case" or the differental? There is a big difference. So far I have read only issues with the transfer case on AWD setups but, none on the FWD units.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Why Lemon Law?

Just got 7 back on 2/07/08, dealer had for 10 days replacing the transfer case.
In the past have had the transmission reflashed twice for shift and lag problems. Since it was in for repairs dealer checked and there was another software update for transmission. Update number SW-SW31TJ000. Much better shift since the last 2 reflashes. (headbang)
If anyone is still complaining of lag and shift problems, have dealer check for most current software.

By the way, still filing Lemon Law Claim. Waiting for BBB to contact me and let me know what they decide.

Just curious...couldn't find a post on it.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Forget it. Just read the above post

Just curious...couldn't find a post on it.

Listing all your problems. Sorry to hear that. There's always a bad apple in the bunch.

 

[MSTswamp]

Listing all your problems. Sorry to hear that. There's always a bad apple in the bunch.

One in how many chances to get a bad on and I got it.
The CX-7 is a sweet ride, but when something major like the transfer case goes out between 4000 and 6000 miles and I am on the third one, you get a little frustrated.

 

[MSTswamp]

Was the problem with the "transfer case" or the differental? There is a big difference. So far I have read only issues with the transfer case on AWD setups but, none on the FWD units.

Check post above.

It is a transfer case problem on AWD models.

Starts out as oil leak.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Yeah and then there's me...

One in how many chances to get a bad on and I got it.
The CX-7 is a sweet ride, but when something major like the transfer case goes out between 4000 and 6000 miles and I am on the third one, you get a little frustrated.

I've owned 6 Mazdas and never had any issues. I owned 1 Honda and had more issues than I would have expected.

 

[MSTswamp]

I've owned 6 Mazdas and never had any issues. I owned 1 Honda and had more issues than I would have expected.

I own a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 with 90k miles and have no issues with it. Normal wear and tear. Still runs great.

I would have gone back and gotten another Grand Vitara or XL7, but it is just too small and is not a very good long distant hauler. Wanted something a little bigger and nicer ride is why we chose the CX-7. Other than that, the Suzuki has been very reliable for commuting to work.

This is my first Mazda and so far I haven't been impressed with the one I purchased, and especially not impressed with the amount of time you have to wait on parts for repairs.

I wish it was the other way around and I got a CX-7 with no problems, and I would still be bragging on it.

Right now the ZOOM ZOOM in mine is gone.