LXRitw Posted March 1 Report Share Posted March 1 Well not sure if anyone remembers me or my post last year about getting the flex plate repaired. All has been well with the flex plate, had it in for a transmission fluid drain and fill along with the filter being changed about 6 months ago. Apparently the mechanic failed to mention the leak that developed from the transfer case since the flex plate was done. I took it in for state inspection and asked them to check the oil cooler for a leak as I was having to add motor oil between changes it wasn’t much at first half a quart here half a quart there. However once the winter hit the leak got worse I suppose due to the seals shrinking in the cold so I wanted to have it addressed ASAP. They proceeded to tell me it was actually the transfer case leaking and they had to order the seal from the dealer and to call to schedule that. This confused me as I took it in for an oil leak so I went for a second opinion at a different shop with good reviews and that I’ve dealt with once before for suspension work. He confirms the transfer case is in fact leaking and that it’s quite bad, he also sent me a video of the excessive play in the driveshaft where the transfer case and driveshaft connect. The transfer case was on its way out due to the unaddressed leak. He quoted about $3k for a USED transfer case with 81k miles I was at 99,500 roughly when I took it in to address the leak. He’s a great and honest guy he told me if it was him he’d trade it in and get something else so unfortunately between the second 4 figure repair in a year and the still unsolved oil leak/consumption and the dreaded water leaking into the drivers side carpet returning I decided to just cut my losses and traded it in for a 2024 Mazda. I was sad to see the Journey go, really I was. She never left me stranded and drove for probably a year with a cracked flex plate before I confirmed it was cracked. Maybe I’ll get another down the line as a backup vehicle but for now my Journey’s life with me has come to an end. I wish I had known about the leak sooner as I would’ve repaired the leak and drove it till the wheels fell off. I did not have any clue of the leak as there were no drips or stains in my driveway, it was pooling up on the transfer case and dripping onto the rear engine mount. I appreciate all the help I got on here trying to address the water leaking into the drivers side carpet as well as easing my mind with the flex plate situation. Maybe the next owner will replace the transfer case and enjoy all the maintenance I had just done haha such as the thermostat, front brakes/rotors and new caliper on passenger side front. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5rebel9 Posted March 1 Report Share Posted March 1 Sorry to hear that you have had such an expensive experience with that particular DJ, and yes I agree about having to find something else for transportation. I am still quite happy with the 4 different DJ's we've had/have, even though all have needed maint( and some a bit expensive). And this week I will be taking delivery of another DJ, a '17 crossroad awd. Our fifth DJ having only sold off our '14 sxt due to a friend in dire need of a vehicle. Good luck with the new ride and I hope you have better experiences with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2late4u Posted March 1 Report Share Posted March 1 sorry to hear of your problems, take care with your new mazda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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