Opnion required

[Henk Bakkie]

Hi there to all,

I am new to this website, having just purchased my '93 2,2 Raider Monday last week. After a long search, including many Km's driven after "Good conditions" HiLux's, I ended up buying one at a premium in PTA.

After spending a week with the bakkie, and having just taken it through it' s paces at Bass Lake over the weekend I discovered three problems, vz. the rear diff seems ot be elaking oil as I have oily rims, both ends, on the inside, the transfer case seems to be splatting oil on the undercarrage and the rear diff lock (non standard) does nto seem to engage, even though the "on" light does light up when activated.

Why this long and boring story? I need the opinion of hardebaard Hilux owners - those of you who have had them for longer than a week - on whether I shoulltake it back to the dealer who does not seem very energetic to fix (and risk getting a substandard job just to get me off their back) or is this something that could be fixed easliy enough to just write off the 1 month "warrantee" at the knowledge that the repairs were done to a good standard?

Overall condition of this vehicle is very good, apart from the extra fuel and water tanks it also has a OMU raised suspension with 265/15 tyres in good condition. Interior like new with only a few scratches on the exterior. By the way, anyone that has a half door, steel canopy for sale:-)

Many thanks, and lookign forward to many years of bouncing along the back roads of good old SA.

[Bushwacker]

Welcome Henk and congrats with your purchase. Post some pics please. I would say take it back for repairs, it shouldn't have gone through test with oil leaks.

[Mud Dog]

Hi and welcome. Hope you get plenty more mileage out of both the vehicle and this forum.
Are you sure the rear wheel leaks are diff oil and not brake fluid?
Perhaps other responding members might agree, but from the sound of it, you've already summed it up in that you're probably going to get a sub-standard job from the seller / dealer, viz his half hearted interest.
It may be worth your while to take it to someone reputable and see if the dealer is at least prepared to come to the party for parts costs or part of the cost.
Good luck and hopefully a member close to your location can direct you to the right guys.

[JohanM]

Hi Henk,

Welcome to the forum!!!! Congratulations on your Hilux, may you have many km's trouble free pleasure from your van!!!

Are you sure it is your diff leaking oil??? I was just thinking that it might also be that the rear wheel cylinders is leaking brakefluid, which happen from ageing of the rubbers.

The transfer case that is leaking oil might be something relatively small such as a seal leaking on the extension housing or on the front propshaft.

The difflock that is not engaging might be similar to Cassie (Caskru) vehicle where there might be a vacuum leak or problem.

Please post some pictures in the members ride section to show us what your van looks like.

[Big D]

Welcome to the Forum

How much did you pay for her? If you got her for a steal, I would fix her up myself. But if I paid a premium, I would get the dealer to fix. I paid a bit much for mine and fixed it up myself, but now live with the feeling of being robbed and cheated. At least I know that everything is done right now. (or in the process of being done right) . Also remember that it is an old vehicle, its going to have a few problems.

[CasKru]

Henk Welcome to the forum.

The rear oily substance on the inside of your rims is either break fluid or oil from the diff
The diffloc might be due to vacuum loss if it's a gearmax
The transfer case, this might also be grease from the universal joints if they were maybe overfilled.

Where in Benoni do you live? Maybe you can bring it over sometime so I can give you my opinion (not an expert but might be able to shed some light)

[HennieJ2]

Take it back and have him not only repair it, but extent the warrantee. If you loose the battle, you can still solve the problem later on your own cost , but while you stand a chance of maybe getting it fixed, give him a hard time....

Hennie

[LouisZ]

Nooo, do not leave it!

If you have a 1 month warrantyUSE IT AND GET IT FIXED!!! :x I mean you paid good money.

Louis

[Sun Chaser]

Hi henk
I agree, you should take it back and pressure him into fixing it, after all, that is what a warranty is there for. Although i must say a month is very short for a warranty.
Those leaks would not have got through a thorough AA check.
To all those people who are thinking about buying a used vehicle, its a must to take it thru a 100 point AA check before desciding to buy it, it definately gives you peace of mind.
Good luck with getting your bakkie repaired, and enjoy many km's with it.

[Bushwacker]

I think we scared him away

[lyndonl]

When buying second hand I would go as far as insisting that the vehicle goes through an AA check.
If the dealer is against it walk away.
I will even go as far as saying if it passed the check I will pay for the AA test and if it fails the check the dealer must pay for it, and the repairs needed, and then recheck it and if it passes afterwards I will pay for the passed check when buying the vehicle.

If the dealer says no to these requests then he is not confident in the vehicle he is selling so why should I be.