More RDU issues

[Fordfan]

Same story here. Tech confirmed the noise, is going with the TSB and ordered the parts. $282 for parts and labor on the TSB vent hose that when combined with a fluid change, hopefully will fix.

Thing is I'm worried how much damage will be done while I wait for this vent hose backorder.

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[BS FE 21]

Checked my vent hose out today. Easy to get to when you know what to do. Mine needs to be replaced. I'm gonna talk to my local dealer but I don't expect much. Think I will change the RDU fluid to be on the safe side.

 

[BS FE 21]

Talked to the local Ford service department. They knew nothing about the TSB so I showed it to them on my phone. They told me they could do nothing unless the RDU was causing problems. TSB are only information for the techs. I pointed out that it might be a good idea to be proactive to prevent a major failure. I also said that it should be covered under the drive train warranty. My BS only has 38k miles. "Too bad. Take your chances. Get in touch with Ford. Nothing we can do". By the time it was done I had a half dozen guys from the service department standing around listening. The guys weren't disrespectful or nasty, just pretty much disinterested. I'll pursue with Ford but don't expect any results. I got the service guy's card but his supervisor didn't have one. I've found that when people know their names are going to be out there they become more interested.

 

[RWT]

rubber hose extensions
that's all it amounts to
recall similar modification applied to high pressure fuel pump leak
sorry mr kong
we'll put you on a list
that response was almost a year in the making for a remedy
these rubber hoses
rare as a unicorn
kong solution
remove terminal screen from existing hose
add rubber hose purchased from corner hardware store
sleeve and shrink wrap connection point of old to new
insert screen into new section of rubber hose
good to go until parts come in

Major Kong, this is a great idea. I owned a 4x4 Nissan Frontier and a rear diff vent hose extension was one of, if not, the most common mods. Nissan in their infinite wisdom had a front diff tube that ran all they up into the engine compartment but the rear diff had a little one way valve mounted on the top of the axle tube.

The first thing many would do, including me, is run a hose up into the rear tail light compartment and put a filter on the end of it. The mod became so popular that a couple companies actually started producing vent hose extension kits like this one: https://www.offroadgorilla.com/shop/rear-differential-breather-vent-kit . I don't see why the current 'Short" vent tube on the BS couldn't just be extended and mounted higher.

JMHO
No expertise implied or expressed

 

[geargeek]

My 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands, just over 3 years old and 24,000 miles, has the RDU shudder. Dealer says it needs the work prescribed in TSB 24-2185 at $553.14 + tax. Dealer says the TSB work is not covered under the drivetrain warranty.

I called Ford Customer Service and they confirmed that they "don't cover vent hoses under drivetrain warranty", thus no warranty coverage for this fix. They offered to review for financial assistance (a discount), so they opened a case for that, which will take a couple of days to process. I'll see what they offer and weigh my options.

I re-read the warranty, and it seems to me it should most definitely be covered under the 5yr/60K mile drivetrain warranty.

The RDU shudder is the issue, and that's part of the drivetrain. The root cause might be the improperly designed hose, but the hose didn't fail - the RDU did. Imagine if my engine failed and they denied the claim because I need some better-designed coolant hoses. Ford doesn't seem to be honoring the drivetrain warranty in my case.

I guess I still have the option to contact BBB or file a small claims case - what a hassle. Ford's not building much goodwill with me. And I'm a good customer (purchased a 2023 Bronco Heritage from the same dealer, and I do all my service with them).

 

[BS FE 21]

File a report with the NHSTA. This is how recalls get started. Believe Ford started manufacturing with the new vent hose in 2022. That would mean only 21's and a few 22's would be affected. If Ford can dodge for a few more years they are home free. RDU has to be part of the drive train.

 

[Bill G]

Talked to the local Ford service department. They knew nothing about the TSB so I showed it to them on my phone. They told me they could do nothing unless the RDU was causing problems. TSB are only information for the techs. I pointed out that it might be a good idea to be proactive to prevent a major failure. I also said that it should be covered under the drive train warranty. My BS only has 38k miles. "Too bad. Take your chances. Get in touch with Ford. Nothing we can do". By the time it was done I had a half dozen guys from the service department standing around listening. The guys weren't disrespectful or nasty, just pretty much disinterested. I'll pursue with Ford but don't expect any results. I got the service guy's card but his supervisor didn't have one. I've found that when people know their names are going to be out there they become more interested.

Had a similar experience with my dealer, who’s always done well for me. Service writer said Ford won’t authorize TSB unless there’s a documented problem w/RDU. Solution would be, “complain of noise/shudder from RDU when you bring it in for service”. Since there seems to be trouble getting vent replacement I, too, will probably just make my own extension and get a fluid change.

 

[BS FE 21]

Got online with Ford support chat. As expected, no help. We are not technical specialist. TSB's are not recalls. Yeah, I know. If the RDU fails what would point the tech to the TSB? They could replace the RDU and still leave the old vent hose in place. Maybe they have instructions that include the TSB when replacing the RDU. Chat gave me an 800 phone number to call.

 

[geargeek]

File a report with the NHSTA. This how recalls get started. Believe Ford started manufacturing with the new vent hose in 2022. That would mean only 21's and a few 22's would be affected. If Ford can dodge for a few more years they are home free. RDU has to be part of the drive train.

It's got to be a safety-related issue for NHSTA to care. At this point, it's hard to argue that it is a safety defect.

From NHSTA: "Generally, a safety defect is a problem that poses a risk to motor vehicle safety, and may exist in a group of vehicles or equipment of the same design and/or manufacturer. An example of a safety-related defect is a steering component that breaks, causing a driver to lose control. However, an air conditioner that does not work properly isn't considered a safety-related defect, because it does not pose a risk to motor vehicle safety."

 

[Major Kong]

Major Kong, this is a great idea. I owned a 4x4 Nissan Frontier and a rear diff vent hose extension was one of, if not, the most common mods. Nissan in their infinite wisdom had a front diff tube that ran all they up into the engine compartment but the rear diff had a little one way valve mounted on the top of the axle tube.

The first thing many would do, including me, is run a hose up into the rear tail light compartment and put a filter on the end of it. The mod became so popular that a couple companies actually started producing vent hose extension kits like this one: https://www.offroadgorilla.com/shop/rear-differential-breather-vent-kit . I don't see why the current 'Short" vent tube on the BS couldn't just be extended and mounted higher.

JMHO
No expertise implied or expressed

noted and bookmarked

 

[BS FE 21]

Probably true that NHSTA would give a pass. Could be argued that the failure might cause a mishap on the road. Maybe not a great argument. Would like to think there would be some alternative.

 

[Dude]

My 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands, just over 3 years old and 24,000 miles, has the RDU shudder. Dealer says it needs the work prescribed in TSB 24-2185 at $553.14 + tax. Dealer says the TSB work is not covered under the drivetrain warranty.

I called Ford Customer Service and they confirmed that they "don't cover vent hoses under drivetrain warranty", thus no warranty coverage for this fix. They offered to review for financial assistance (a discount), so they opened a case for that, which will take a couple of days to process. I'll see what they offer and weigh my options.

I re-read the warranty, and it seems to me it should most definitely be covered under the 5yr/60K mile drivetrain warranty.

The RDU shudder is the issue, and that's part of the drivetrain. The root cause might be the improperly designed hose, but the hose didn't fail - the RDU did. Imagine if my engine failed and they denied the claim because I need some better-designed coolant hoses. Ford doesn't seem to be honoring the drivetrain warranty in my case.

I guess I still have the option to contact BBB or file a small claims case - what a hassle. Ford's not building much goodwill with me. And I'm a good customer (purchased a 2023 Bronco Heritage from the same dealer, and I do all my service with them).

The RDU is part of the powertrain warranty… many owners had this replaced under their powertrain warranty after their 36k/3yr warranty expired. The RDU vent hose itself is not covered under the powertrain warranty but the RDU is.

 

[BS FE 21]

So the TSB addresses a manufacturer's defect that can cause a catastrophic RDU failure possibly putting you on the side of the road. The TSB will not be enacted unless the RDU at least shows signs of failure (the shudder). The TSB vent replacement will not be considered part of the drive train so the customer is on the hook for parts and labor. Way to stand behind your product Ford.

 

[Mark S.]

The mod became so popular that a couple companies actually started producing vent hose extension kits like this one: https://www.offroadgorilla.com/shop/rear-differential-breather-vent-kit .

@Major Kong, one thing to note in this kit: the extension hose is attached to the OEM hose using a connector and hose clamps. I don't think shrink wrap is sufficient. If your extension hose disconnects from the OEM hose then air going to your RDU is unfiltered, therefore I would endeavor to make the connection more secure.

 

[Major Kong]

@Major Kong, one thing to note in this kit: the extension hose is attached to the OEM hose using a connector and hose clamps. I don't think shrink wrap is sufficient. If your extension hose disconnects from the OEM hose then air going to your RDU is unfiltered, therefore I would endeavor to make the connection more secure.

point taken
my initial connection proposal mentioned sleeved and shrink (tube) wrap
the thought although unmentioned was to apply sealant on the sleeved portion
final connect with shrink tube overlapped with a second longer piece of tube
dealing with the concept phase of my re-working
these connection points are non-pressurized (unless blockage occurs)
RWT mentioned routing to elevated section of rear tail light
concept phase is expanding towards that direction
I may look more closely at the point where the tube 90 degree bends
the point of the bend upward into the wheel well may be a good take off point
from that point of connect a rearward run towards the tail light housing
seems viable

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