Wheel Bearings + Front Seal Leakage + 130k = New 2013 CX-9!

[msujay2012]

After 130,000 uneventful miles, I took our 2008 CX-9 GT AWD to the Mazda dealer today to investigate a growling noise coming from the rear. After self-diagnosing the noise as a rear differential issue (never changed the rear diff oil). Wrong. It was the right rear wheel bearings. $500. While on the hoist, they discovered a material amount of oil seeping out at the front seal. $1,600. Add in various other fluid changes, shop fees, etc., and the total damage was $2,500 +/-. With my luck, next month will be the other wheel bearings and the transfer case.

So...we walked out with a new 2013 CX-9 GT AWD, for ~ $34k ($40k MSRP). Long day, but wanted to share the intel. If you experience a whirling, growling noise from the rear of the car. Get it checked.

 

[kornholio]

When you say front seal, do you mean timing cover? or is it in another location. Also did you trade it in for the new one. Did the dealer give you a decent amount if you did trade in.

 

[ceric]

Leaky seal of differential does not require a new unit.
Both seals of mine have be replaced under warranty. Seals only. Not $1600.
Dealer might have misled you.
Anyway, congrats on the new '13.

 

[kornholio]

Ceric, what else have you had done on the 9 as far as repairs. Those seals are they expensive to replace if you are out of warranty? Is this for the rear differential only or for the transfer case in the front as well.

 

[ceric]

On the seals.
On a regular visit for full circle inspection (free).
The dealer found leaky seals on the differential.
Shorter after I went in for the replacement when the parts arrived.
This was put down on my invoice:
-------------------------------------------
A technician noted last visit fluid leaking at rear differential seal.
Check and advise
47MAZ AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL
42803 WPM
2 M0A7-27-238A SEAL, OIL
2 MTS DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE
PARTS: 0 LABOR: 0 OTHER: 0 TOTAL 0
43753 INSPECTED AND FOUND LEAKS FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL AXLE SEALS.
REMOVED AND REPLACED BOTH LEAKING REAR AXLE SEALS.

 

[kornholio]

Ceric, thank you for the info. I will keep this info at hand in case i need to do this to my 9. Greatly appreciated.

 

[ceric]

The advisor also told me that "this" could be a thousand-dollar job if out of warranty because the entire unit might need to be replaced.
In the end, they only replaced the two seals.

 

[msujay2012]

It was not the differential that was leaking, but rather from the bottom of the engine block. They would have to remove the engine to fix the leak. 12 labor hour estimate. Suggested the water pump be done at the same time, plus the two drive belts, the right rear wheel bearing and other fluid changes...equaled a roughly $2,500 investment into a vehicle not worth more than $9,000. No thanks.

 

[msujay2012]

When you say front seal, do you mean timing cover? or is it in another location. Also did you trade it in for the new one. Did the dealer give you a decent amount if you did trade in.

It was along the bottom of the engine block. There was 6-8" of oil seepage. Very noticeable once it was up on the hoist. The trade in was $7,000, which was a reflection of the necessary repairs and higher mileage (not to mention general wear and tear).

 

[2zooms]

The growling noise you heard, was it constant or only at certain times? My wife's cx-9 makes some hard to describe noise that seems to be coming from the front right wheel area. It happens intermittently, we had it to our mech who could not really find anything, took him for a ride and of course it didn't make the noise then.

 

[2zooms]

Oh, and congrats on the new cx-9

 

[msujay2012]

The growling noise you heard, was it constant or only at certain times? My wife's cx-9 makes some hard to describe noise that seems to be coming from the front right wheel area. It happens intermittently, we had it to our mech who could not really find anything, took him for a ride and of course it didn't make the noise then.

It was a constant growling or whining noise that started at around 30-35 mph and varied directly with speed. It was pretty easily diagnosed as bad wheel bearings on the back left drive wheel. $500 to replace.

 

[2zooms]

Ok thanks.