Dana's Response about failures - Page 2

Herbpov · 10-20-2007, 11:01 PM

Sounds like Nissan wanted a small cheap rearend and they got one. In 04 Nissan pushed the fact that they had the best ground to rearend clearance. You dont see them state that anymore.

hooligan · 10-20-2007, 11:13 PM

old news, but just wanted to refresh everyone's memory banks.

with a shatload on Dana's plate, i'm sure they're saying: "titan rear-end failure? really? that's the first we've heard of that."

Dana Corp. Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Friday , March 03, 2006

TOLEDO, Ohio —

Auto parts maker Dana Corp. (DNC) filed for bankruptcy protection for its U.S. operations on Friday, joining a growing list of suppliers forced to make major restructuring moves because of the slumping U.S. auto industry.

Dana, which makes brakes, axles and other parts, has been in a downward spiral since the company announced last fall that it was restating earnings and lowering its profit forecast for 2005 because of accounting errors.

The auto supplier with 46,000 workers worldwide said in January that it lost nearly $1.3 billion in the third quarter last year while realigning its business.

The company said it filed for Chapter 11 protection so it could fix financial and operational problems. The filing was entered in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

"The general financial condition of the industry, together with Dana's inability to renew or expand its credit facilities in a timely manner, has significantly constrained Dana's liquidity," the company said in a statement.

Trading of Dana's stock was halted on the New York Stock Exchange just before the announcement. Shares fell 37 cents to 67 cents Friday before trading stopped. The stock had been as high as $17.03 in the past year.

The filing does not affect the company's businesses in Europe, South America, Asia, Mexico or Canada, the company said.

Auto parts suppliers over the last year have been sandwiched by rising energy costs that have driven up the costs of raw materials and driven down demand for gas guzzling sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

Delphi Corp., the nation's leading parts supplier, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. Visteon Corp., the nation's second biggest auto parts supplier, is closing three plants and putting another six up for sale under its restructuring plan.

Suppliers say the restructuring moves also are being forced by automakers increasing pressure to sell them parts at lower prices.

Toledo-based Dana supplies parts to General Motors Corp. (GM), Ford Motor Co. (F) and other automakers.

Before the filing, Dana announced plans last year to cut its salaried work force by 5 percent, close three plants in North America and Australia and sell parts of its business to sharply reduce costs.

Dana Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Burns said Friday that the company will move forward with its restructuring plans.

Dana in December lowered profits by $44 million for a period starting in 2000 and ending in June. The changes were caused by improper accounting for customer pricing increases and supplier reimbursement costs in the company's commercial vehicle unit, Dana said.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month said it was opening an investigation into Dana's financial practices and whether the company violated federal securities laws.

The company that began as Spicer Manufacturing Co. took on its current name in 1946. Dana in 1998 bought axle and brake maker Echlin Inc. in what was one of the biggest mergers in the auto parts industry. The move increased its overall employment to 79,000 workers.

Fox Delta · 10-21-2007, 02:04 AM

it takes two to tango - Nissan spec'd it and Dana built it - I think they both effed it up. Nissan couldn't have a "normal, domestic spec" Dana 44 or 60 as much as we would like it. they were just asking for issues trying to re-invent what works....

My new one works well - no seepage leaking but it still "clicks" when parking or changing from reverse to drive etc. oh well it still doing better than my powerjoke!

BigJ · 10-21-2007, 11:41 AM

Is the driveline clunk when shifting between r and d the spider gears taking slack or the pinon to carrier taking up slack?? I have this problem also on both of my Titans, my traded 04 and my new 07

**Nissan Mike** · 10-21-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooligan

yes "modified" but i can't see Nissan saying, "build it just like this". DANA more than likely was told by Nissan what they needed and DANA said, "well, here's what we can build/provide for you"

so, who's to blame? i solely place all the blame on the shoulders of the manufacturer of the axles/diffs, and that would be none other than our nice friends at DANA.

I personally feel that Nissan is liable for the parts that they contract out.
Yes I know no manufacturer makes the "entire" car,but when they chose to farm out components they still are the "general contractor" of the vehicle.They must take the responsibility that these parts are built to their standards.It is Dana's fault for the poor quality,but it is Nissan's responsibility to police them and not let them get out of hand.

Delta15 · 10-21-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nissan Mike

I personally feel that Nissan is liable for the parts that they contract out.
Yes I know no manufacturer makes the "entire" car,but when they chose to farm out components they still are the "general contractor" of the vehicle.They must take the responsibility that these parts are built to their standards.It is Dana's fault for the poor quality,but it is Nissan's responsibility to police them and not let them get out of hand.

Thats the $64000 question!

Bad quality or bad design???

TallTexan · 10-21-2007, 06:10 PM

Maybe Dana tech could tell us how to stop the whinning differentials. In my case, only axle seal leakage and whinning diffs. Maybe some additive to the diff that could stop the whinning. Maybe a response about axle wrap problems would be good also.

tim@mcintyreinsuranc · 10-22-2007, 10:55 AM

I just had an axle seal replaced over the weekend and was surprised to find that there was NO AXLE VENT/BREATHER on my rear end housing, ANYWHERE. The firm that replaced the axle seal researched the web and came up with a Technical Service Bulletin from Nissan regarding the "Rear Final Drive Breather." In a nutshell, what has been happening is that when a failed differential was replaced by the local dealer, they were NOT removing the temporary plug and replacing it with the old axle breather. The Technical Service Bulletin was issued June 6, 2006. Since my 2004 Titan had the axle replaced in mid-2005, the bulletin had not even been issued yet. I drove roughly 40,000 miles on the replaced rear end with NO BREATHER before the one axle seal began to leak! Talk about a f_ _ _ up by Nissan! I have a copy of the TSB if anyone is interested in seeing it.....

tim@mcintyreinsuranc · 10-22-2007, 02:24 PM

Bt the way, also be sure to periodically tighten and retorque the U-bolts holding the axle to the leaf springs. They have a tendency to loosen and can contribute to axle wrap or other problems....

LandShark · 10-22-2007, 02:45 PM

I don't understand why Nissan didn't stick to a tried and true design in their HG46 axle used in the older frontiers and D21 pickups. That axle was comparble in strength to a ford 9"(ring gear was actually a tad bigger and had 31 spline axles) and with the third member design was easy to work on. I've only heard of 2-3 axle failures in my time and that was due to extreme circumstances(35-37" tires with locker and lots of gas).

I had my 94 kingcab with 35" MT/Rs, 5.13 gears and a Detriot locker in the back and flogged the hell out of that truck, not so much as a drip from the axle.

Learjet · 10-24-2007, 03:07 PM

Please ask the Dana tech why the vent on the axle will allow air to escape, but forms a vacuum when the axle cools and is this part of the axle seal problems.

Thanks

alby · 10-26-2007, 03:25 PM

it's good that replacing the seals is really not a big project. the worst part was breaking the seal to get the axle out of the sleeve. but really, all that's required is a big hammer and some patience.

Does anyone have the stillen cover plate? is that any good?

FuzzyLogic · 10-26-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox Delta

it takes two to tango - Nissan spec'd it and Dana built it - I think they both effed it up. Nissan couldn't have a "normal, domestic spec" Dana 44 or 60 as much as we would like it. they were just asking for issues trying to re-invent what works....

My new one works well - no seepage leaking but it still "clicks" when parking or changing from reverse to drive etc. oh well it still doing better than my powerjoke!

Mine failed at 3,000 miles. But, since replaced, has not clicked at all. It's been super-smooth and feels rock solid.

I'm told, but can't confirm, that the replacement rear end, which has a different part number, has some improvements related to the pinion compared to the original on my truck.

FuzzyLogic · 10-26-2007, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim@mcintyreinsuranc

I just had an axle seal replaced over the weekend and was surprised to find that there was NO AXLE VENT/BREATHER on my rear end housing, ANYWHERE. The firm that replaced the axle seal researched the web and came up with a Technical Service Bulletin from Nissan regarding the "Rear Final Drive Breather." In a nutshell, what has been happening is that when a failed differential was replaced by the local dealer, they were NOT removing the temporary plug and replacing it with the old axle breather. The Technical Service Bulletin was issued June 6, 2006. Since my 2004 Titan had the axle replaced in mid-2005, the bulletin had not even been issued yet. I drove roughly 40,000 miles on the replaced rear end with NO BREATHER before the one axle seal began to leak! Talk about a f_ _ _ up by Nissan! I have a copy of the TSB if anyone is interested in seeing it.....

Interesting...the same thing happened to me (except the problem was caight right away). While the dealer had my truck for the rear end replacement, I read about the breather here on Titantalk. When I picked it up...I went under the truck, saw the temporary plug and went to the manager. When I showed him the breather on my old rear end (sitting on the shop floor) he said...you're right...we're supposed to transfer your old breather to the new axle. He called his mechanic over and they corrected it.

He also said he was going to have a special meeting with his driveline techs to remind them about the issue.

Except for this oversight, they did a great job and took care of my truck quickly.

Nissan's TSB is very clear on the issue...so, if the dealer's aren't following it, you have to blame them...Nissan put the info out there...

95rioredvert · 10-30-2007, 04:41 PM

I would like Nissan to know that I am going to be selling my Titan because of the Axle problems and will be going back to what worked for me for the last 10 years.................A FORD!!

I love my Titan but am very upset with Nissan and their parts / service.

It is an absolute joke that you can not buy any rear-end parts other than wheel bearings and seals! I need a friggin pinion bearing and can't get any answers from Nissan or Dana on one.
I am sick and tired of hearing."we only sell new axle assemblies"

It not right that you cant buy a pinion bearing, spacers, crush sleeve etc.

E-mailed Dana several times for any help and never get a response.

Granted I have 125K miles on the truck, but after contacting the previous owner, I found out this is the 3rd axle it has had in it.

Instead of being able to spend $150 on parts and fix it my self, i am left with spending $1800+ on a new axle and still fixing it myself!

I just needed to vent a bit!!!!!!!!