| DavidM |
I have read several places here where the two washers on the VTM-4 unit need to be replaced when doing the fluid change.
(This I tend to believe...!!);)
Well, I just picked up my X from the dealer after doing the 7,500 mile service. I noticed on the work order that they only used the washer for the oil drain (the crush washer on the engine).
:eek:
Naturally, I questioned the girl behind the counter about the other two washers. She went and got some guy who was a service tech (I guess:rolleyes: )
He proceeded to tell me that the two washers are not needed any more.....that they use some sort of an "O" ring that is reusable.:confused:
So I said okay, I will check into it, and get back with you.
Now I am before all of you asking: What is the real deal?
I think I will have to go back to the dealer and have them install them.
Or should I just forget about it, and worry about it next time?:8: |
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| DaleB |
| Maybe RobSJ can check that out for us! |
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| DavidM |
Hello Rob????
Help??? |
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| kelsellsacuras |
| After I read this question about the washers I wondered where you took it and who told you this. I did go and talk with two of our techs and they both said that the statement about not needing to change the washers is completely false. Reusable "o" rings are not the case. Everytime fluid is drained the washers should be replaced. You are talking about the rear differential, right? Don't worry about it this time, unless you see leaking, but next time make sure you tell them that you want the crush washers replaced. Hope this helps. :rolleyes: |
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| DavidM |
Thanks....That confirms what I had been thinking all along.
I will go back to the dealer and inform them of their mistake.
Thanks again! |
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| kelsellsacuras |
No problem. Good luck with everything. I like the list of adds you have and are getting; fun isn't it? :2: :21:
You know Acura is releasing 3 new Thule accessories for the MDX don't you? A Luggage basket, a roof box and a hitch mounted bike carrier!! :eek: |
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| TheRobSJ |
There is no reuseable o-ring. Whatever tech said that is lying through their teeth. There's no groove for an o-ring on the plug. A rubber/metal washer like is used on some Ford drain plugs could be reused...but too bad they don't make them that big.
Rob |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by kelsellsacuras
No problem. Good luck with everything. I like the list of adds you have and are getting; fun isn't it? :2: :21:
You know Acura is releasing 3 new Thule accessories for the MDX don't you? A Luggage basket, a roof box and a hitch mounted bike carrier!! :eek:
Hello Kelly and welcome to the acuramdx.org forum. I like your signature (Acura adoption coordinator) and look forward to any information you can provide concerning the MDX. It's great to have someone with a positive attitude that works for Acura contributing to the forum.
P.S. I had a very positive impression of Neillo when I stopped by for some touch up paint a few months ago. It was a very hot day and I was greeted at the door with a bottle of very cold water for all 4 members of my family. |
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| kelsellsacuras |
| Well, thank you. I like to browse through what's happening in the MDX world. I know it from this side but like to hear the other side as much as possible. When someone needs an answer I'll pitch in my two cents and let you know of any new and exciting stuff happening with the MDX. Many of you hear things and call "us" but Acura is very tight lipped to the dealerships. We usually can't confirm anything until the 11th hour!! :4: So as soon as the "official" word is out, I'll send it on. And you know, it's always sooo nice to hear a good story or comment on Niello. I am proud to work for the organization. BTW - isn't that rolling face kinda annoying? Thought it was funny at first now it just makes me nervous..... :D |
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| jonnygoodboy |
| DavidM, this is similar to my experience at the local dealer. When I called the service adviser and asked about it, he did admit that they didn't replace the crush washers on the VTM (score one in the "straight talking" column), but told me "Acura doesn't supply them" (score one in the BS column). |
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| DavidM |
Thanks for the replies..... I guess I will just keep an eye on the rear differential for any leaks.
Make no mistake about it, the service manager is going to hear about this.:rolleyes:
I will insist that they have them in stock when I return for the installation of the sunroof glass. (I had a clicking sound coming from the center when the shade was open.....) I asked him if the glass needed to be replaced, and the response I received was:
"We're not sure what is causing it, but you have to start somewhere!":eek:
Needless to say, it was not very confidence-inspiring. My guess was that the clicking was coming from the mechanism on the shade; not the glass. We'll see how it goes, and I'll keep everyone posted.
Other than the omission of the washers, I must say that the whole experience was very good. They provided me with a TL as a loaner....and even made sure it was the same color as my X.
(Nice touch...:cool: )
Upon delivery of the loaner, they made sure I was familiar with the controls that were different-such as the TCS and the sequential sport shift.
When I returned, my X was thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed, they offered me Starbucks coffee and doughnuts (again).
Something that did surprise me though:
When the service manager called and told me my X was ready, he asked when I would like to pick it up. (This was about 3:00 in the afternoon). I asked him what time they closed, he said 7:00, and in the same breath, stated that if I preferred, just keep the loaner another full day....and return it whenever convenient.
So I did!!:2: |
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| ardvarkus |
Hey Kellie-
Welcome-
We've talked at the dealership, actually many months ago, and I mentioned this site. Took you a while....:) (Have you been lurking?) In fact, we spoke in Sept 2000 ...but I brought elsewhere. :(
Neillo is THE place to go for Acura service in Sac. I've tried Lasher and Solano... the Acura District Manager suggested that I "might try Niello, they are more in line with what Acura likes to see in their dealerships".
Regarding the washer (Not directed at kellie):
I'd be MUCH more worried at their propensity to LIE than the error of omitting them. Of course you can just have them re-do it and fix the washer... how will they EARN BACK YOUR TRUST. Moron service writer. Just tell the truth.
Ard
PS Do you really think they "made sure it was the same color" or do you think it just happened to work out and they made a big deal of matching it? I dunno... |
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| srpbep |
Golly Ard, you are skeptical aren't you :eek:
PS ... Teasing Ard, I'd wager that your assessment is 110% correct ... must have been someone in service who understands service!!
:2: |
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| TheRobSJ |
quote:
the Acura District Manager suggested that I "might try Niello, they are more in line with what Acura likes to see in their dealerships".
That damn Ross! He should send everyone in the state to my dealer...
Rob |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by TheRobSJ
That damn Ross! He should send everyone in the state to my dealer...
Rob
Nope. Wasn't Ross.... didn't tell you WHEN I had the conversation... :)
Ard |
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| DavidM |
Ard:
When I was at the dealer doing the paperwork, they asked me if I needed a loaner. (I said yes, of course!). The girl behind the counter stood up, looked out the window, saw that my X was black, and said " Is that your MDX?.....I see you like black, would a black TL be okay? Or would your wife (she was standing next to me) prefer a different color?)
So it was not pure chance.
I do agree with you regarding the propensity for lying, though.
I do not think that the service manager even knew that the washers were not replaced. It wasn't until I got to the "cashier" window that I questioned it. That is when the cashier turned to a "tech" of some sort and I recieved the answer noted above.
Again, the service manager will be notified about it.
Thanks!! |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by DavidM
Ard:
When I was at the dealer doing the paperwork, they asked me if I needed a loaner. (I said yes, of course!). The girl behind the counter stood up, looked out the window, saw that my X was black, and said " Is that your MDX?.....I see you like black, would a black TL be okay? Or would your wife (she was standing next to me) prefer a different color?)
So it was not pure chance.
I do agree with you regarding the propensity for lying, though.
I do not think that the service manager even knew that the washers were not replaced. It wasn't until I got to the "cashier" window that I questioned it. That is when the cashier turned to a "tech" of some sort and I recieved the answer noted above.
Again, the service manager will be notified about it.
Thanks!!
Well, then, that's nice.
I suppose it is also good that the service manager wasn't the one BS-ing you. You'd like to think they know better....
Ard |
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| Solid |
Here's a FAQ from Acura's owner link web site:
https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/login.asp?brand=acura
What's a "crush washer" and why is it important to my Acura?
As an Acura owner, the crush washer you should be most concerned with is the one that must be replaced every time you change your motor oil. This crush washer fits between your oil pan and the drain plug. It is a one-time-use washer.
When a new washer is installed and the drain plug is tightened, this washer "crushes" to form a very tight seal, thereby preventing motor oil leaks without overstressing the oil pan threads.
Oil changers who are not aware of its importance may think it's OK to re-use this washer. Since it has already been crushed, it will not collapse further. As a result, the installer may overtighten the drain plug to get a tight fit. This can eventually lead to stripped threads in the oil pan -- a very expensive repair.
This is another example of why your Acura dealer is the easy choice for your service needs. Acura dealers know your Acura best. |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by Solid
Acura dealers know your Acura best.
Sure.
Except when they don't... |
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| kelsellsacuras |
Ard, Sorry for the delay. I tried to log on yesterday but couldn't for some reason. Actually I did register a while ago but only posted a couple of times. I can be slow sometimes. Thank you for your faith in Niello; we really are top notch. Our service department is excellent and the reason that many of our clients buy here again. ( I'm not saying they are without errors - they happen) All in all, a great place to work!
:D |
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| ardvarkus |
quote:
Originally posted by Solid
Acura dealers know your Acura best.
Sure.
Except when they don't... |
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