AWD Shudder Fix vs Open Differential?????

[Pushbutton]

Well, after 27k my AWD RT has developed the dreaded shuddddddder when turning. When I asked the local stdealer they said that they could perform the TSB by appointment, BUT that it would then give me an "OPEN DIFFERENTIAL"

Call me confused, but isn't that what we already had? Maybe a bit more open when they take the friction disk out, but still open.

Can anyone clarify the plusses (other than silence) and the minuses of getting the TSB performed??

[Scott]

I can lay your fears to rest about doing the TSB. I heard the same thing about the TSB changing the transfer case (center-differential) to "open" type. I asked our mutual feathered friend about this last year in chat. Here is the Q & A:

<Scott> I have a love affair going with my AWD Mag RT. But just had the TSB that replaces the friction plate with a thicker spacer. The effect is making the xfer case more like a open differential. It's hard not to feel that I have lost some functionality of the AWD, is that the case?

<Scott> The nature of the AWD problem is a bit of a surprise, as I thought it was based on a proven Benz design.

<fnkychkn> not the case at all. the friction plate was just to absorb vibration. not enough surface area to effectively transfer torque.

<Scott> I have been trying to test my AWD on wet roads since the TSB to see if it behaves differently, but it has been dry or I couldn't get away what it is raining.

<fnkychkn> i've tried. no noticeable difference straight line or turning.

I've driven 20-30k miles since the TSB and continue to be impressed with the AWD performance in rain, snow, and ice. I continually marvel at how fast I can accelerate when turning on slippery surfaces.

All the reports that I've heard about the "dreaded shuddddddder when turning" is that once it starts it becomes progressively worse. So you may not have a choice about whether or not to do the TSB.

“Open Differential” – My understanding is all LX differentials are open, whether rear, front, or center. (We could verify this with an exploded drawing of the transfer case.) Traction control uses individual brakes to control wheel spin and ensure wheels with the most traction still have high torque.

When the traction control is triggered, I think we nearly have the equal of limited-slip differentials.

The “Loss of traction” and “Traction-adding devices” sections at the following page provide background for those interested. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_%28automotive%29

[fnkychkn]

I can lay your fears to rest about doing the TSB. I heard the same thing about the TSB changing the transfer case (center-differential) to "open" type. I asked our mutual feathered friend about this last year in chat. Here is the Q & A:

<Scott> I have a love affair going with my AWD Mag RT. But just had the TSB that replaces the friction plate with a thicker spacer. The effect is making the xfer case more like a open differential. It's hard not to feel that I have lost some functionality of the AWD, is that the case?

<Scott> The nature of the AWD problem is a bit of a surprise, as I thought it was based on a proven Benz design.

<fnkychkn> not the case at all. the friction plate was just to absorb vibration. not enough surface area to effectively transfer torque.

<Scott> I have been trying to test my AWD on wet roads since the TSB to see if it behaves differently, but it has been dry or I couldn't get away what it is raining.

<fnkychkn> i've tried. no noticeable difference straight line or turning....

wow Scott. how can you remember that? i can't even remember what i had for breakfast.

[LowGo]

I can lay your fears to rest about doing the TSB. I heard the same thing about the TSB changing the transfer case (center-differential) to "open" type. I asked our mutual feathered friend about this last year in chat. Here is the Q & A:

Thanks for the information. That's good to know.

After 30K miles, I'm finally starting to get this problem. I spoke with my local Dodge dealer on the phone, and they want to take a look at it. I mentioned the TSB, and his comment to me was "sometimes TSB's cause more problems than they fix". I sure hope that doesn't mean they're going to try to avoid doing this fix. Is it possible to force them to do a TSB?

[Pushbutton]

Thanks, folks. Its going in next Tuesday for the operation.

[MYPTBUL]

Today i brought my 300C to a nearby dodge dealer with the shutter and 1/2 hr after i took the bus home. He called and told me it was fixed. He added 1/2 qt. of p/s fluid to the p/s.. He had know idea about the tsb. I know its not the proper fix. I told him when you drive it for 10 miles or more the problem will disapear since the tranfer case fluid is hot and the metal particals are suspened in the oil. Now im going to take it to a Chrysler dealer. I know i will have the problem in the morning.

[Pushbutton]

Today i brought my 300C to a nearby dodge with the shutter and 1/2 hr after i took the bus home. He called and told me it was fixed. He added 1/2 qt. of p/s fluid to the p/s.. He had know idea about the tsb. I know its not the problem. I told him when you drive it for 10 miles or more the problem will disapear since the tranfer case fluid is hot and the metal particals are suspened in the oil. Now im going to take it to a Chrysler dealer. I know i will have the problem in the morning.

That's why I take a copy of the TSB with me and hand it to the service advisor when I arrive. Point n' Grunt "Do this!" The mechanic will understand.

[Pushbutton]

Well, its done.

Although the TSB stated 1.6 hours, the dealership took a bit over 6 hours including an oil change. However they did give me a free Enterprise loaner (Magnum 2.7L) so I don't feel too abused.

Other than the absence of the shudder I can't tell any difference on a quiet 4 mile drive home.

[chrisab24]

Well, its done.

Although the TSB stated 1.6 hours, the dealership took a bit over 6 hours including an oil change. However they did give me a free Enterprise loaner (Magnum 2.7L) so I don't feel too abused.

Other than the absence of the shudder I can't tell any difference on a quiet 4 mile drive home.

I'm having the TSB performed on Friday...I hope it doesn't take them 6 hours to do mine...