(Seized M210 Axle) Need Help with Warranty Through Ford Parts

[DGE1993]

I don't even know where to start right now as I'm pretty defeated....

I recently regeared my bronco and swapped out my M190 for a complete M210 unit from Ford parts. I've been doing this in my own shop with my own tools, something I've tackled in the past and went into with the confidence to get it done. Boy howdy do I feel like a kicked puppy on a roller coaster of emotion.

Long story short installed the front axle after finishing up the regear on the rear and took the rig out for its maiden journey. About three miles into the drive the bronco comes to a screaming halt.
I was luckily on a gravel road with no traffic for miles, but still it gave me a heart attack!

Towed the truck home and when I unhooked the front drive shaft I can't get the front axle to spin at all. It is seized tight.

Here's my delima, In the past when I had a problem with a Ford part on my F150 I called the 800 hot line and was told that I had to take it to a dealership to see if the said dealership would warranty it. Of course they said that since they didn't install it they had no reason to warranty it which makes sense.

So my question is has anyone been through something similar and successfully got Ford to warranty the part? Is there a better number to call other than the 1-800 number because last time the lady on the other end could not comprehend that it was a part I had purchased and installed myself which is why I think she kept telling me to take it to the dealership.

TLDR: purchased front axle from Ford parts website and installed myself, made it three miles before it locked up. Is there any hope for a replacement or am I stuck with a $2000 paper weight....


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[Ducati1098]

Doesn’t matter who installed it, it still has a parts warranty.

It has to go to the dealership, that’s the only way. They have to handle the inspection and claim submission to Ford.

Normally you’ll need to pay diag labor, then once they have confirmed it’s a warrantable defect (not due to installation error or anything else) they should give you a new one.

 

[DGE1993]

I probably know this answer, but any chance I can just pull the axle and take it in or do they need the whole truck?

 

[Ducati1098]

I probably know this answer, but any chance I can just pull the axle and take it in or do they need the whole truck?

It’s probably better you didn’t. That gives them an easier way of claiming it was likely due to installation error because they have no way to verify it.
If you just bring it in the way it is now, and everything was done correctly, it’s a lot harder for them to claim it was your fault.

 

[DGE1993]

It’s probably better you didn’t. That gives them an easier way of claiming it was likely due to installation error because they have no way to verify it.
If you just bring it in the way it is now, and everything was done correctly, it’s a lot harder for them to claim it was your fault.

Well it's been a rollercoaster. Guess I'll add another tow bill to the gut punch. Thanks for the help man, guess I'll call the dealership tomorrow to see what they say and skip the 1-800 line.

 

[Valhalla]

I'm with Ducati on this, need to eat the tow and diagnostic fee. The diffs have known issues for locking (often when first used). I think it will be warrantied.

 

[Brian_B]

Make sure to have the invoice where you purchased the FDU - to make it clear this isn't a vehicle warranty thing, it's a parts warranty thing

 

[DGE1993]

I'm with Ducati on this, need to eat the tow and diagnostic fee. The diffs have known issues for locking (often when first used). I think it will be warrantied.

I guess I definitely fall in that category. Maybe three miles and never over 45 mph. I was surprised when it was the front unit, figured I messed up my re gear of the back and it locked.

 

[DGE1993]

Make sure to have the invoice where you purchased the FDU - to make it clear this isn't a vehicle warranty thing, it's a parts warranty thing

I've got the original paper work still and even picked this axle up from the dealer. I'm hoping the small town one I use has seen this before.

 

[DGE1993]

Just an update. Ford chat said to email a warranty email address. Emailed corporate Ford and got an automated message saying they will get back to me in 3-5 business days.... Right. Called my local dealership and they seem to kinda have an idea of the situation but need to check with someone from the regional office.

Out of curiosity I pulled the fill plug and looked inside with a bore scope. The diff had a disco party. The fluid is full of glitter.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Just an update. Ford chat said to email a warranty email address. Emailed corporate Ford and got an automated message saying they will get back to me in 3-5 business days.... Right. Called my local dealership and they seem to kinda have an idea of the situation but need to check with someone from the regional office.

Out of curiosity I pulled the fill plug and looked inside with a bore scope. The diff had a disco party. The fluid is full of glitter.

Curious if it was underfilled. There were a number of m210's installed at the factory that yeeted themselves.

 

[Area51BS]

I would think a unit sold assembled should have a part warranty. I can see a dealer charging for diagnostics as they didn’t make any money. On the other hand I don’t see why you have to pay a dealer to inspect a part sold to you from somewhere else. Guess reading fine print is required before buying from Ford parts. Crappy position to be in.

 

[DGE1993]

Curious if it was underfilled. There were a number of m210's installed at the factory that yeeted themselves.

Nope I checked that. I topped it off when I installed it bc when I swapped in my rear axle it was low from the factory. That was partially why I cracked open the fill plug to see if I was crazy and only thought I had filled it.

 

[DGE1993]

I would think a unit sold assembled should have a part warranty. I can see a dealer charging for diagnostics as they didn’t make any money. On the other hand I don’t see why you have to pay a dealer to inspect a part sold to you from somewhere else. Guess reading fine print is required before buying from Ford parts. Crappy position to be in.

I still have the original crate and would gladly ship it back if they would just send out a new one. But the dealer seems to be on the same page as Ducati said. They will need the whole rig, do diag, and verify. Then I guess I have to either pay them to install it or tow it back home and do it myself. But the guy wants to verify with regional before I take it down there.

 

[Felix808]

Curious if it was underfilled. There were a number of m210's installed at the factory that yeeted themselves.

Nope I checked that. I topped it off when I installed it bc when I swapped in my rear axle it was low from the factory. That was partially why I cracked open the fill plug to see if I was crazy and only thought I had filled it.

I was thinking the same at first but then reading he set up the rear end and so forth, there is no way he didn't check the fluid

Best wishes for it

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