The shuddering coming from underneath the Jeep, was nearly as angst ridden as our own. We had been made fully aware that Jeep repairs can be both complex and expensive. We took a modicum of comfort that most 4WD’s are money pits of varying depth but for some stupid reason we assumed that ours was somehow the exception that made the rule. The thump-shudder combination was truly terrifying, the cause unknown, the suspects many. Any minute, we thought, one end of the tail shaft would drop onto the road, sparking a fire that would leave the Jeep and us a smouldering hulk somewhere on the roadside. Our mechanic was 800 klm’s back in Melbourne. Sure, there were plenty of Jeep dealers and mechanics in Adelaide but you fear they see you coming..another holiday in Phuket walking through the door.
After a few weeks we figured out that the more gentle you were, the less likely to aggravate the problem, whatever it was. In the meantime we booked her back into Hillside Mechanical with the diff mounts as a prime suspect. Would we make it? Firstly we had to replace that tyre. We ended up getting a good deal on a pair of Winrun Max Claw ATR’s – $450 (you can see what I mean about money pit – name brands can cost you north of $700 a pair)
It had been a roller coaster few weeks. My Mum passed away at 87, so there was a funeral back in NSW then a frantic house clean and sort, a catch up with besties in Sydney then home. We were desperate to get back on the road, but no way till the Jeep was purring. So we left at 5am on a Sunday morning for the nine hour dive back to Melbourne. Long story short, we made it, feathering the accelerator, trying to keep her calm. We made good use of the slide out kitchen along the way and it was nice to be back on the road -kinda.
After some forensic test driving and hoist exploratory surgery, the culprit was identified. Whose heard of a transfer case? Apparently at least more than a few Jeep owners. It transfers the power from the engine to the front and back wheels – hence 4WD. It’s chain driven and sometimes the chain stretches (?). The result is that the chain slips cogs and the front wheels momentarily seize sending a shudder through the vehicle. Replacement with a new one was financially out of the question. Luckily Ben had a regular supplier of second hand parts. Even then there was no change out of $2500. After 5 days she was right to go. We arrived back last Sunday.
So the question hangs like the Sword of Democles. Just unlucky or this a portent of a well canvassed opinion about Jeep reliability? I won’t deny it has dented our confidence a little after two years of trouble free motoring, but as of now, it’s fingers crossed. Sure, we’re not making it easy towing a 25 ‘ van behind us, but the diesel engine is rock solid. I guess we’ll find out as time goes on.
So for the next few weeks we’re hanging around in Adelaide with our friends Barry and Nardia. We’ll catch up on the Fringe Festival and then make yet another trip back to Melbourne for weddings and a last catch-up before we head north to the Flinders Ranges and then onto Lake Eyre. Can’t wait to be making regular updates for you. Talk soon.
