Topic: Can you recommed a dealership for Differential Clutch Pack replacement?

[switenky]

I've got the grinding during low speed turns problem.  I've had my Solstice into my favorite dealership in the Detroit area a few times over the last year to address this problem.  Each time they've done a differential fluid change, which makes the noise go away for a while but never attacks the root problem.  They suggest the solution is to do a clutch pack replacement.

It's expensive, but the charge for the differential fluid replacement isn't cheap either.  So I'm ready to do the clutch pack replacement.

Since the last time I've had the car into my Detroit dealership, I've moved into the DC area.  I commute from Frederick, MD to Rockville, MD everyday.  Can someone recommend a competent dealership that can do this work? 

I'd hate to be the first Solstice to have that work done at a dealership.  So if you had the same work done at a dealership around here, please let me know your experience, good or bad.

[Critterman]

I use Fox in Laurel MD, not exactly on your route.  Ask for Mike Lewis as a service rep.

A lot of people use the dealer in Manassas I can't remember the name, but someone should pipe up with it, they are kappa friendly as well.

The clutch packs are more of a clicking sound than a grinding, at least mine were.  If they did a fluid change without adding the limited slip additive, it would cause the clutch packs to go out.

2k lives out near Fredrick, check with him and see if he has used anyone in that area.

[chuckdoc]

Manassas dealer is Koons of Manassas.  They are really good.  I also use the laural dealer.  There is not others I trust it this area.  Koons has experience with diferential replacements.  I had the clutch pack problem and they did one fluid change.  It corrected the problem for a short time and then back again.  They just ordered a new dif and put it in without any problems.

[Ben L]

If this weren't a warranty item, it might be a good time to upgrade to a Quaife LSD helical gear style diff.  No clutch packs.  Preloaded helical gears.  Ones for a Solstice were on sale on clearance at Autotech at a really deep discount a few months ago.  I was thinking of getting one to have on hand, just in case.


http://www.autotech.com/quaife/index2.htm

[Treeman]

I also use Fox in Laurel and found them excellent in Solstice work.

[chuckdoc]

Ben this is really a good point.  I had looked into this incase my dif was not going to be covered.  However free won over anything else.

BTW:  It is so nice to see you are back.  You contributions to this forum have been fantastic and I really enjoy you company.  

Chuck

[Treeman]

  on both Ben's suggestion and Ben's return.  Good to hear from you again, Ben!

[switenky]

It's not going to be a warrantee item for me.  Sometime next week my Solstice will hit 100,000 miles.

The Quaife diff isn't that expensive at about $1500.  Who could I get to install it, locally? 

I've always been one for keeping the car stock but I'm not really proud of the Solstice's stock differential.

[DaveOC]

It's not going to be a warrantee item for me.  Sometime next week my Solstice will hit 100,000 miles.

The Quaife diff isn't that expensive at about $1500.  Who could I get to install it, locally? 

I've always been one for keeping the car stock but I'm not really proud of the Solstice's stock differential.

You might want to check with Quaife, but a couple of months ago they were selling off whatever they had in stock, and not planning on building any more, what with the Solstice and Sky being out of production . . . As I remember, they sold out everything in a couple of days . . .

[chuckdoc]

Switenky, I do not understand, if you are about to hit 100,000 miles, take it in if you have a 2007 or later, its a 100000 mile warranty on the powertrain and this is included.  Mine was done on GM dime at over 50,000 miles. 

[TomatoSoup]

Switenky, I do not understand, if you are about to hit 100,000 miles, take it in if you have a 2007 or later, its a 100000 mile warranty on the powertrain and this is included.  Mine was done on GM dime at over 50,000 miles. 

His sig says its a 2006 Solstice

[Critterman]

Talk to DDM works and see if they picked up any, they will be here for the mod meet

[Ben L]

Good to be be back.  Thanks, gents.  If the Quaife is not out of stock it was like $850 which is a steal.  

[GXPinKC]

   Ben, you have been dearly missed on the forum.     Certainly glad that you are back with us!  The place was not the same without you.  You bring a ton of knowledge and spirit to this great forum.

Ron

[NormSky]

Mallet had a new take off on *bay for around $400.

Norm

[Dave@DDMworks]

It's not going to be a warrantee item for me.  Sometime next week my Solstice will hit 100,000 miles.

The Quaife diff isn't that expensive at about $1500.  Who could I get to install it, locally? 

I've always been one for keeping the car stock but I'm not really proud of the Solstice's stock differential.

We can do the build for you on the diff down here, depending on what version of the diff you have in the car right now, we have extra housings we can build up with the Quaife and then just ship you up a ready to install unit.

Let me know if you have any questions about that.

Thanks,
Dave