Crank shaft seal

CTTRENCH

MEMBER
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

Crank shaft seal has been replaced six times (car leaks oil). Finally the dealer reached out to "General Motors Engineering". After seven weeks the dealer told me today that the problem was identified as "crank shaft is out of round".

They quoted me $6,000.00 to replace the engine.

Any suggestions on a possible repair option?

4 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon,

When the seal fails more than one time, the usual reason is the crankshaft. I am surprised they did not pick up on this a long time ago.

I would suggest a good used engine to keep the price down.

Is that an option for you?

Roy

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 4:26 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Did you buy the vehicle new? That vehicle is pretty new and I am guessing that it is the original crankshaft. I'm feeling like it is Chevrolet's mistake and that they should make it right even if not under warranty. Dealerships can talk to their District Service Manager and have it replaced and put it under Customer Appreciation/Loyalty. Also, I don't know where you live, but I live in California and we have a state agency called Bureau Of Automotive Repair (BAR) that keeps shops from taking advantage of people. You might want to see if your state has such an agency. I have also included in the diagrams below the cost of a new crankshaft and the labor time. It would be significantly less expensive than replacing the whole engine. Please keep us informed as to the situation.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 4:32 PM

CTTRENCH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for the response. I bought the car used, with approx 40,000 miles. The dealer confirmed that cranks shaft seal was replaced twice by the original owner, and four times by me (each time the seal repair was covered). I complained and argued the last two times that there must be a deeper problem, but the dealership didn't offer any help. Now I am at 110,000 miles and they are telling me that the new engine or crank shaft will be at my expense.

I live in NJ, so I am not sure about the agency you mentioned. Also, I do not see the diagrams or cost. Chevy/GM is impossible to deal with so I am wondering if it is worth fighting or if I should just pay for repair.

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 5:50 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Do you have an extended warranty on the car? Did you purchase one when you got the car?

The fact that they did not find the exact issue makes them liable for the repairs they made. This means you should get a refund on any charges you had.

The actual repair you will be responsible for. It is six years old and I doubt there is any factory warranty left. The only way you will get it covered is by having an extended warranty.

Roy

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Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 AT 5:56 PM