So I get back from the dealership and they really gave me a headache. Went in for an oil change and for them to check for a noisy exhaust sound which I assumed would be the shield. But ah, no.
They tell me my 2 y/o catalytic converter is toast (I have an OBD II Air Tek, I think it should be under warranty, god I hope so!) and making the rattling sound.
My transfer case seals and plug are leaking (actually I think it is just a seep and not a drip according to my girlie eyeballs) and need to be replaced.
My oil pan is leaking, from the seal so the gasket needs to be replaced. Again, it only appears to be a seep, no dripping, no burning of oil etc.
They said my front differential is 'noisy' so I probably need a new front end to the tune of 2K.
My power steering pump is leaking (it is but it is a new pump so I may need to check the stupid hoses).
God, there must be something else! Cripes!
Well, any advice guys? I don't appear to be low on any fluids however the power steering is a little low. My husband and I replaced the pump when we replaced the original combination manifold over a year ago (tried to save time and made a not so brilliant maneuver which resulted in a 'crack' followed by $##%%).
My dealer said Jeep are notorious for needing axles. I am not aware of this. However, this vehicle is getting pretty old and has a hard life with light duty off roading, and worse duty in town driving with numerous huge potholes. So much our tax dollars going to fix the infrastructure....
I was not aware of this forum until just now. My husband and I also ride motorcycles and we visit the 2 wheeled forums and I thought, why not see if there are jeep forums and of course, there are! And pretty active with members, too! Pretty cool!
Thanks in advance for any advice/words of wisdom!
Beth in Durham NC
1997 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the good old straight 6!
Something like 163K. Off to the fridge for some New Years Brew, looking forward to your response!

 

I would take it somewhere else and get a 2nd opinion. Sounds like they might be trying to slide something over on you because you are a woman. At 163k miles a little seepage is gonna happen and what kind of noise is the front making. I have a 98 ZJ and the front end makes all kind of noises and I have 131k on mine but it is not anything to worry about.

 

Agreed on the second opinion if its not leaking oil real bad I would just check it more frequently my 98 xj leaks oil rear main I believe not real bad though.I would try some lucas power steering additive that stuff works pretty good hope that helps some.

 

n blue:

 

OMG, you guys are so amazing!
I thought a little seeping was nothing to worry about, of course, they tell me otherwise. I am not low on any fluids except a little on the power steering, I will follow the above advice on that--thank you! And the front end is no noisier than anything else...I have not noticed anything unusual but I have no idea about the fluid level there, so I will take care of that as well. The exhaust sound is really really loud, so I'm wondering about that...I will just have to take it elsewhere to get a second opinion and keep my warranty info handy. I will double check all bolts and shields etc 1st though. I do not have any check engine lights on, she runs great, with plenty of power, no weird idling or anything like that.
There is a AAA car care center nearby, I might try them in the future. It's funny how hubby and I don't mind doing the combo manifold, but we don't do the oil changes, too busy I guess--go figure!
Looks like I'll be printing this info out and getting busy tomorrow! I'll be sure to post back my findings guys--THANKS so much!
Beth