DriveShaft "Blowup"??

[AbqGeorge]

Here was an interesting thread on rv.net

http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/Tid/342064/DoOnePage/Yes.cfm

Does anyone have any ideas on what may have happened to this poor guy's driveshaft? I asked that question ("gwmayes" posting) but didn't get much of an answer.

George in Albuquerque

[FirstDiesel]

Same guy is posting the same story here in 2 different forums. All he's doing is fueling the Duramax are nothing but problems fever. Just read the 4th post in that thread.

[ 09-22-2002: Message edited by: FirstDiesel ]</p>

[Paintdude]

I don`t believe much of it..

Ask Black Echo about it..

http://www.goingfaster.com/

[DmaxMaverick]

Who knows what really happened? Could be a number of reasons. Manufacture defect is likely with so few miles. Could have been a metalurgical flaw. Who knows?

There's no reason to disbelieve his post. It could happen to any one of us, with any vehicle. The problem with that thread should be no surprise. With a title "Duramax troubles", and references to "my Duramax blew up", no wonder people take offense. Poor choice of words. It's been said here before, the TRUCKS are labeled by some as a Duramax, like that's the brand name. Doesn't sound like Duramax had anything to do with the problem at all. The post just leads some narrow minded readers to make that assumption. Just look at the handles and read the posts of of the negative respondants. Look familiar? At least one of them doesn't post here anymore under that name. The majority of the responses are supportive of his problem. It's not hard to sort out the garbage.

The only thing that is still puzzling me....
How in the heck did the shaft damage the tranny cooler :confused:

[SoCalDMAX]

This is the driveshaft problem posted here by Mike G. His front u-joints may not have been properly torqued, or something similar. He even asked the shop that installed his hitch if they remove driveshafts to do the install, they told him they don't. The cooler that was trashed was the fuel cooler.

I have no reason to doubt his posts here or on the RV thread. He loves the truck and is set on getting another GM truck. What's bothering him (and a lot of other people) is how slowly the wheels are turning. He shouldn't have to wait this long, make this many phone calls or contact this many people to get a replacement truck. Obviously, some people don't take their job very seriously.

I sincerely hope that this nightmare ends soon. He's been far more patient than I would have been under the same circumstances. Whenever I get into a situation like this, I ask for name, email addy, all phone numbers, boss's name, email addy, phone numbers, etc. Just asking for all of this in the first phone contact conveys a sense of seriousness that they sometimes need to be reminded of. I don't think lemon laws or attorneys are the right answer, he should just continue to keep on top of the right people within GM. Everybody reports to someone, and the person who's dragging his feet should be conscious of the current unemployment rate and how important it is to keep the customer and the boss happy.

Good luck to him! Steve

[Paintdude]

that is my point exaxtly..I have my doubts because of the long time it has taken to get results-no results..

the attorney general could get things moving real fast for him...or a visit from Bubba...

that being said, I just don`t believe all the story..there is something being left out...something we don`t know...the shoe just don`t fit quite right..IMO

Just my gut feeling..and If I am wrong I wish him all the best in resolving his issues with GM..

[Wally]

Let me go ahead and point out what is painfully obvious to the most casual observer.
If all that has been posted is true and we are not missing some of the story as Paintdude pointed out then MikeG has the intestinal fortitude of BooBoo Bear.
Give me a flippin break! Nobody puts up with that much crap. 03s not available until November? Something stinks!!

[Mike G.]

HI EVERYONE...JUST FOUND THIS THREAD...Well it is all true believe it or not. I even gave the Vin # to someone on the RV net(open road forum) (See Questions about Vin # )There is a print out on my truck where I purchased it, Miles it was towed at ETC. ETC. For a continued update See Durmax troubles on the same BB.... I'm sorry if you were offended by the title(Dmax troubles)The only reason I put that heading was not to imply that I was having problems with the Engine itself I just wanted to try and get some imput from D/Max owners as to the safety and durability of the truck...I didn't want to fight to get a vehicle if it was having some serious problems
DMAX MAVERICK..This is a 2 piece drive shaft. it separated at the yoke and came up thru the floorboard of the truck leaving a hole the size of a softball. the back half of the drive line was still attached to the rearend. the front of the rear half was scraping on the ground and banging around underneath the truck. the entire front piece was totally detached and got caught up underneath the truck, one or both of those pieces damaged the exhaust system, cut the frame, damaged the fuel tank and fuel cooler and put alot of dings in the undercarriage of the truck...I wish I owned a digital camera I would of taken pictures of it on May 25th then I could print them online...
I'm still battling with the repurchase group they're a bunch of idiots....My new truck is in, sitting on the lot at the dealership...only because they are still jerking me around....After my truck is delivered I will deal with GM over the lousy treatment I've been getting and length it has taken to get my truck. I have been given alot of good ideas from other people on these threads and hope to utilize a number of them...They say the pen is mightier than the sword....(so is the media)The reason I haven't brought in all the big guns is First we didn't know that they were going to drag it on this long. They kept telling us certain dates and when that date would arrive there would be a delay or some other BS. Second I got a good deal on my 2002 and they are giving me a 2003 for the price of the 2002...What do you think a 2003 3500 CC D/Max allison Dually With the LT leather interior, fully loaded would go for out here on the west coast???? I'm getting mine for $38,400.00 I know if I took the cash refund I would have a HE$$ of a time trying to find one for that kind of money at a dealership. I hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel real soon. The truck is in it's just a matter of them getting the proper wording on their release letter for me to sign on the 2002 so they can process it...Right now they want me to sign a release stating that the truck is in resale condition, that all the factory installed parts are in good condition and that the deal is contingent on the lenders approval...What BS....The truck is obviously not in resale condition. and I cannot vouch for the rest of the truck because I have not seen it in 5 months, I do not even know where the truck is at...for all I know it could be all torn apart or back in detroit...I gave them the keys and as far as I'm concerned they took possesion of it....I am not going to perjure myself on any document that would also make me liable for any damage not noted on the release. The are basically trying to blackmail us..If we don't sign their document we don't get our truck.... The part about lenders approval is a bunch of BS as well. I've been making payments on the 2002 for the last 5 months (as well as insurance) those payments are to be transferred over tothe 2003. Besides it's financed thru them.... Like I said they're a bunch of idiots...We contacted the gen mgr. at the dealership where we purchased the 2002 truck and he is making some phone calls to GM..he is in agreement with us....hopefully this will be resolved soon....Mike G.

[ 10-24-2002: Message edited by: Mike G. ]</p>

[Mike G.]

Latest updte...Got some good nuews yesterday...The gen mgr. not only was able to get ahold of someone in regional he also talked with an administrator in the repurchase group...The have agreed to amend the letter to state that we cannot verify the conditon of the vehicle since we have not had it in our possession since May 24th....FINALLY...The are still including the part about it being contingent upon the lenders approval...which is really alot of BS since they're the ones who financed it and I've been making payments on it all this time...They state it is for their protection in case we have filed bankrupcy since purchasing the 2002...I'm not going to squabble over this, it will only delay me getting my truck....We are going to the (other) dealership this weekend to look over our new 2003 and make sure everything is the way it is suppose to be..do not want any last minute surprises....will keep updated with any new developments...Mike G.

[trout49]

I've been watching this post on both forums for a while. Mainly to see how GM customer service was going to handle this case.
I'm not sure the other truck mfg. would have done better, but I can say I'm REALLY disapointed in GM.
I ordered my GMC 3500 in June and took delivery in July. Don't let them stall you by saying it will take 3-4 months. Good luck! There are alot of GM customers watch is unfold!!! HANG IN THERE..

[Mike G.]

Thanks Trout....So far GM service has been pretty much nonexistant. This has been a continual uphill climb...

Seems the big 3 all have their problems.

We know our 2003 is in at the dealership. It's just a matter of getting GM to perform and get this resolved.

They were suppose to fax me the amended release letter to sign and fax back to them today...NEVER RECEIVED IT...3 more days lost....Same ol BS. They just don't follow thru like they say they will.

I've got everything documented.When this is all done, I have seriously thought about sending a copy of all 3 threads to the GM execs...I'm sure they will not be to happy...

It just amazes me how many millions of dollars they spend on advertising to attract customers and how little they spend to keep them....Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Went out to the dealership to see the new truck. It's nice fogot how big the thing is since I haven't been up close to one in 5 months....Noticed quite a few changes some I really like some I liked better on the 2002 but, nothing I can't live with.....Can't wait to drive it home and start breaking it in to tow the new 5th wheel...Hopefully GM will will get their a$$ in gear so we can get this resolved....get the papers signed etc. etc. will keep you updated...Mike G.

[FirstDiesel]

The thing that has bothered me about this thread from the beginning was why GM would be treating a customer so poorly.

The first thought that comes to mind is "I think he protest too much".

This is the third location on this same forum we are being told HIS tale of sorrow. Not to mention the other Forums he's using.

Seems to me maybe both sides have a little problem with the handling of this issue.

[Mike G.]

Larry...Why such treatment from GM? That has been the million dollar question that I as well as the Gen mgr's. & others would like to know....

I protest to Much???? The only reason I came on this thread was to set the record straight.....

The reason for the other two on this forum was because someone had recommended the diesel page from the RV forum..He stated that the people on this forum were very knowledgable and quite helpful. I wasn't sure which heading to go under so I chose 2 of them..I wanted to get as much info as possible..

As for protesting to much...PUT YOUR SELF IN THIS SITUATION....You purchase a vehicle for $ 40,000 (which you plan to keep for a long time) You then spend $l,500 for a 5th wheel hitch, $300.00 for alarm, you purchase an extended warranty not to mention $l80.00 to have your 5th wheel trailer towed home...At 2,441 miles your vheicle sustains extensive damage..The service mgrs. at 2 different dealerships tell you that you should request a replacement vehicle. GM tries to push you to repair it...They finally send out an area rep to inspect the vehicle...and concurs that they will replace it...They order you a vehicle and tell you you'll have it in 4-6 weeks...7 weeks pass and you haven't heard a word from anyone...you are then told it will be sept.-oct....then oct-nov. then finally Dec....At that point they give you a rental vehicle to drive (but, it won't tow the trailer) They are refusing to pay for any of the after market items...only the new vehicle....I felt I should be reimbursed for the after market items as well....WOULDN'T YOU????? Then to add insult to injury besides continuing to making payments on a vehicle you do not have possession of I have had to continue to pay car insurance on a vheicle that is in the dealers possession. When I tried to cancel the insurance on it GM told me I still own the vehicle and If I cancel the insurance on it...They will get insurance on it and deduct that amount from the money the owe me. If anything happens to the truck while it is in their possession (before the repurchase is completed) I am responsible for the damage...SOUND FAIR TO YOU????

I have only wanted GM to be fair with me and have tried to deal with them in that manner..The people I have dealt with have had little regard for this situation and the problems that have resulted from this...There job is to settle with you as quickly as possible as cheaply as possible...or to drag it out and wear you down so you will just give up...again as cheaply as possible...Only thru continuing to push for what I feel I am rightly entitled to have I gotton them to cover the after market items...and to pay the cost difference between the 2002 & 2003. I have still been royally screwed because they have forced me to keep insurance on the vehicle while I have been waiting for them to replace it. As well as making payments on a brand new trailer that I have not had the use of for almost 6 months. I have had an extremely difficult time in dealing with a truck load of GM representatives which none seem to any regard for customer service.

So how would you have handled it???You know the Lemon Law states that by law they only have to give you a cash refund or replace your vehicle they do not have to reimburse you for after market Items. Only under specific circumstances...

It is easy to be judgemental when you are not walking in some elses shoes and your not dishing it out of your own wallet..I dished out $l,600.00 on the day that they truck broke down... Mike G.

[ 10-28-2002: Message edited by: Mike G. ]</p>

[FirstDiesel]

All I'm saying is I just can't beleive that GM treating this so poorly without some reason. You know there are 2 sides to every story and all we hear is your side.

I'm sorry you have had such bad luck with your truck and it's terrible that you have had to wait this long to replace it. Something just seems wrong about the whole thing to me.

Your claim is it's all GM's fault. I'm just saying we only have your word on that.

Hope you get your new truck soon and you have better luck with this one than the last one.

[Mike G.]

Larry...I'd like to know why they have treated us so lousy myself..I have been a loyal GM customer. Since 1984 I have purchased or leased 12 GM vehicles and that means nothing to them....

I have tried to be Mr. NICE GUY with these people and they have taken total advantage of the situation. The lemon law attorney told us that this is not unusual for them in this type of situation. If they treated their customers fairly there would be no reason for a lemon law or an attorney to uphold it. RIGHT????

Something is wrong and we have spent months trying to find out why. We didn't go in with the big guns such as a civil attorney, the state attorneys office, the media. We tried to deal with them ourselves and hoped that they would be fair.

When GM does a repurchase you deal with l person in the repurchase group (a liason) who is your contact to the area rep. 90% of the time when you need to contact them you get a voice mail...you leave a message and if your lucky within 2 weeks you may hear back from someone. This has gone on for months...Only by accident did we get the area reps cell phone # recently. It has been great because now when we need to get something cleared up or dealt with we have been able to cut out that middle person and their stupid voice mail and deal with him directly...

I was given a contact at GM by someone on one of these threads. This person finally got things moving...Since they got involved the delivery date of our truck was moved up from Dec. to Oct. I think GM wanted to get the trucks out to the dealers since they were going to be making money on those vehicles and on ours they weren't. We have requested the phone #'s for months of someone at GM that we could talk to other than the area rep and have been given nothing...
We haven't asked for anything more than what we spent....There are people out there who would be getting attorneys and suing the pants off GM. I think the only way we would get any response to the treatment we have received by GM is if we contacted the media and they confronted GM publicly....I would love to hear their reasons for the delays and unfairness...We have documented every conversation or communication with GM dates, times, names, conversations etc. etc.

You are correct when you say there are two sides to every story and we would love to hear their side as much if not more than you....Mike G.

[trout49]

Mike G.
I printed this thread and the one from the rv site, and took them to my dealer. I told him to give the information to the factory rep next time he is in town. May not do any good but if a few thousand members did this prehaps GM would get the picture. There were over 150 replies on the rv site, and 18,000 hits!! Took alot of paper! It was the size of a small novel.
After this is all over, you have GOT to post pictures of the new ride!

[Mike G.]

Trout49 Thanks, Was he a little shocked??? I know it's alot to print out I have a running copy myself. I plan on making copies of it (rv site) along with the threads on the diesel page and mailing them to the execs at GM, consumer reports, trailer life etc, etc. As you know by reading the threads that it's not JUST THE TRUCK it's everything that has been negatively affected by this whole thing. I will have lost 6 months of warranty on my new 5th wheel before I have ever gotton to go any where with it.The inconvenience of not having the vehicle, The money it has cost me unnessasarily, the stress and hours My wife and I have had to put into this just to be treated fairly the list goes on and on...I think the people at the exec level need to know how their customers are being treated...maybe this will help to improve things. I know I am not the only one that GM has created problems for and sadly I probably will not be the last...I would never wish this kind of treatment on anyone...there is no excuse for it...Hopefully things will improve for all of us...Thanks again.... If I get a digital camera I'll send out some pictures...Mike G.

[ 10-28-2002: Message edited by: Mike G. ]</p>

[trout49]

YES Mike G he was shocked. Especially when he saw over 18,000 hits on rv.net site. I told him to take it home and sit down with a cup of coffee and give it a read, and put yourself in the customer's place.
I did it in a nice way, it wasn't his sale, but I wanted him to see the frustration you were going through. No answers to voicemails ect. and just an attitude of not caring.
I also pointed out that you were out more than the cost of the truck and listed some of the items you mentioned.
Like I said,this may not do any good but at least they can see that you are not isolated. Many others have been following this.
You said it best. GM spends millions to attract customers, and not much to keep them. Word of mouth advertising works TWO ways. Good service and Bad service.
Beg borrow or steal a digital camera and get those pics posted. Good luck with the new ride!

[Mike G.]

Trout49 It would be interesting to hear the dealers and factory reps response to the "LITTLE NOVEL". I can't imagine GMs response if a # of people reading both threads did the same thing as you did....SHOCK would probably be one reaction I'm sure...

Thanks again for your support and encouragement. People like yourself on these threads (forums) have been really great (few exceptions). We have received some really helpful info these last 5 months, some which has proven to be helpful. Some I plan to keep on file just in case and some of it I may put to use in the near future....

Once I get the truck home and get it set Up (hitch, running boards etc.) I will try to get some pictures put up...Thanks again... Wife has relatives back in Illinois...are you any where near Aurora? Mike G.

[trout49]

I'm from a little fart of a town called Windsor. Only 1200 people. I live 12 miles from Shelbyville, where our turbo chargers are made for the DMAX.. It's IHI turbo, and the plant manager drives a DMAX. I hooked up their DSL high speed internet and got to talking to the manager about the Duramax engine. I've been researching this engine ever since I first heard about it in 1999.
This is a great forum. This is my first diesel so the help we all get here is worth alot more than the yearly fee.


Not to change the subject, but The 2003 has different wiring than the 2002. Your brake control might not work with the old GM harness. There are posts here about that in case you need it.
Happy trails...

[Mike G.]

Trout 49 This is our first diesel as well. We will be frequenting this forum as well to get as much of an education on the care and maintenance on our truck. We waited a long time for it and I would like to make sure that I have it for a long time. I do not want to rely strickly on the service dept at the dealership for the maintenance of my truck...I don't think they are totally informed.....people on this forum seem to know alot more than alot of the service people do...

I will try and find the thread on the wiring issue on the 2003..I would like to have this information before I set up the hitch installation on the new truck...thanks for the information...

Trout49...tried to find the thread on wiring..so you remember where it was listed or the heading it was under???? Thanks
Mike G.

[ 10-29-2002: Message edited by: Mike G. ]</p>

[trout49]

This was the first one posted. I printed it and took it to the service manager. They didn't know about it either. There are a couple more. I will try to find them when I get a chance.


http://forum.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=003876

[Mike G.]

Trout 49 Thank you very much....Boy that's something that will sure test your typing skills....Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Here is the latest update....Received the amended letter from the repurchase group yesterday. The wording was not the best but, it was an improvement from previously. it is as follows:

The vehicle is free from any abnormal damage or alterations which impair its resale value. The customer is not responsible for any damage caused by the prop shaft or any damage incurred after May 24, 2002. The rest of the letter remained the same... We now have to wait 7-10 business days for them to process a check to forward to the dealership..They will in turn contact us and we can make arrangements to get our truck.....Hope it goes smoothly from this point on....Will keep you posted as things progress. Mike G.

Thank you all for all the help and encouragement , you've been great.....
[ 10-29-2002: Message edited by: Mike G. ]

[ 10-29-2002: Message edited by: Mike G. ]</p>

[trout49]

Mike G.
Here is another thread. It's in the accessory heading. Sounds like they have it figured out. Read all the posts. It seems that if you use the old harness not only will the trailer breaks not work with the break pedal
, but they will lock up when the head lights come on!!

Glad things are coming together for you. Sounds like you will be in the truck soon.
Keep us posted.

http://forum.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000539

Just a tip. You don't have to type the address, Just do a copy and paste.

[Mike G.]

Trout49 thanks for all the information. I'm glad you told me before we had the hitch and wiring done...

It's bad enough that I have had to learn to type and switch this thing on and off now you want me to copy and paste????How do I do that???? Thanks...Mike G.

[AbqGeorge]

trout49,

Thanks for the reminder on that cotton pickin' pigtail. My new truck didn't come with one (it was supposed to?). I was just going to pull the Jordan, with pigtail attached, out of the 2001 and plug it in.

Glad I checked back in here. Guess it's off to a dealer to purchase the '03 plugin.

Mike, sounds like you're coming in on the home stretch. Got my break-in miles up to 475!!!! Think I'll take the FW for a short run this weekend and check things out real closely. So far it looks like I've go me a good one. Thanks to you, I've been all over this puppy, making sure everythings bolted down. ;) smile.gif

[Mike G.]

AbgGeorge.....Congrats on your new truck...Hope it's trouble free and you have many good years with it....

I'm glad these threads are benefiting others as well...I know it's been a real learning experience for me....

I hopefully only have one more hurdle to get over with GM. That's the financial settlement. They are suppose to cover the cost difference between the 02 & 03. They have also said they would pay for the new 5th wheel hitch, the towing of the trailer, and would transfer the ext. warranty to the new truck...Looks like I will be out the money for the alarm and Insurance that I had to maintain on the truck....Hopefully the end is in sight....This is one battle I never hope to repeat again.....

Will keep you posted as things progress...Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Latest ...no confirmation from repurchase group re: signed release...no confirmation on what they are paying....still waiting...Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Latest update....It's been one week since I faxed the realease letter to the repurchase group...I left 2 messages last week and one today asking them to please acknowledge receipt of the release and to send me a statement and to give me an approximate date of delivery of the truck....again got their voice mail.....same old thing.....it will be 6 months by the time they get around to delivering the truck, at this rate....will keep you posted...Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Well wonders never cease....I received a fax from the repurchase group...The tenative delivery date for my truck is November 12th...I just need to coordinate with the dealership to pick it up once they receive the paperwork...I guess they have never heard of overnight delivery.....

I decided to send them a fax in return...it goes as follows:

I guess I should be thankful because even though you did not return any of my several calls over the past week, you did finally respond to my request of Monday, October 28th to acknowledge receipt of the signed settlement offer and notify me when I can pick up my vehicle! Hallelujah hhallelujah!!!!

Your latest letter says I need to coordinate the scheduled date (November 12th) with the dealership and you- the contact person (I will make an appointment to get my vehicle with the dealership as soon as we're both available.

How can I coordinate ANYTHING with you? Over the past several months, frequently it has taken me numerous calls and days at the least - usually well over a week and then some - just to get a call back from you! This past week was not any different - I Called you several times last week and this week and you still haven't returned any of my calls!!!

To put it mildly, you are VERY VERY VERY, if not impossible to get ahold of. Please call me if there is any more coordination required, other than me arranging to see the dealership soon after the 12th, which I can do without your assistance, thank you very much!!!!

It's been a barrel of monkeys dealing with all of you good folks at the repurchase center and I am hopeful(Probably foolishly so, knowing the service received over the past 5 months) that I can soon put all you folks in my very forgotton past!!! Your customer service is the most pathetic, difficult and infuriating process I have ever had the misfortune of putting myself through!! Hopefully, you don't kill every one of your good but misfortunate customers!!!

PS My new truck has been sitting at the dealer's for over two weeks now - I hope your paperwork gets there no later than the 12th - why the paperwork isn't already at this dealership is beyond me - you've had months to get it ready...

I'm sure I won't be hearing back on this one.....

I will keep you all posted as things progress...
Mike G.

[Mike G.]

T'S A MIRACLE.... I actually got a phone call back from my contact person at the repurchase group and I didn't have to wait days or weeks to hear from them....Guess they got the message from my fax....Still do not trust them and I'm keeping my guard up....Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Well today is the 12th...the day I was suppose to pick up my truck....but, alas the paperwork did not arrive at the dealership.(no mail delivery due to veterans day)....same ol BS....will contact the gen mgr. at the dealership this afternoon to see if the paperwork has been received....will keep you posted....Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Latest news...Received a call from the gen mgr. he has received PART of the paperwork...He phone them and they are suppose to overnight mail the remainder of it. Hopefully he will have it by tomorrow and we can get the truck tomorrow or Friday, providing all the paperwork is in order...will keep you posted...Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Todays update...Spoke to the Gen Mgr. just a little bit ago...He says they are overnight mailing the remaining papers today (heard that before)he should have them tomorrow...I told himI would be calling him at 10AM tomorrow to set up a time to pick up the truck TOMORROW that they better have all the papers...They have had almost 6 months to get this done, enough is enough....He is about as happy with me as I am with him....Can't wait until I am done with these people.....
In the meantime I have an appointment Monday to have the 5th wheel hitch and brake controller put on, then the vented tailgate and mirrors and finally the running boards....hope to get it all done before Thanksgiving.... so we can take our new 5th wheel out for its first trip.We're ready for a little R&R... will keep you posted...Mike G.

[Mike G.]

Latest Update- WE GOT OUR TRUCK... PICKED IT UP THIS AFTERNOON.....

Found out that they still have the 2002...GM is suppose to pick it up in about 3 months...They are going to total it......

Thank you to everyone who gave us information and offered their support....Mike G.