Well it’s been quite and up and down day. The first phone call from the SLC dealer indicates that yes indeed the axle seal is leaking but the problem is deeper. A bearing in the transmission is allowing “excessive” axle movement which may have damaged the seal causing the leak and their solution is a rebuilt transmission, for about $2,450 USD.
This was quite a shock. The SLC dealer doesn’t really offer too many options, actually none. They don’t feel that an axle seal repair will allow up to make it back to Winnipeg. At this point, I need to think about things and call Royal Dodge in Winnipeg to see if they can assist. They call SLC dealer and to make a long story short, they decide on the axle seal repair for about $180, which Winnipeg will reimburse. However, after the repair, the SLC dealer advises there is still a small leak. So, we’ll be armed with extra fluid, sticking to the Interstate routes, and monitoring the leak closely in an attempt to get the van back to the Winnipeg dealer for more servicing. Oh yeah, the other bit of news from the SLC dealer is that the seal they removed during the repair, the one that the Winnipeg dealer installed just about 1 week ago is damaged, and in their opinion, it was damaged at installation. There is a really nasty gouge out of the outer metal edge. It’s amazing how much trouble a $5 part can cause.
Car repairs are really never very welcome and usually extremely expensive. We’ve poured an excessive amount of money into our van this year and it’s been very frustrating. But, car trouble when you’re a long way from home is even more distressing. I’ve spent many hours over the last three days of what should have been an enjoyable drive and a vacation/conference dealing with and processing through this issue. I’m sure there is much to learn from this experience, and I’ll need some time to reflect on what has taken place. I know some of it I’ve handled very poorly and let anxiety and fear get way too far out of control. Thankfully, I’ve had Shirley and some good friends along for the ride and they have been an excellent support and comfort in dealing with the issue.
Even when things are so very far out of my control it’s been difficult for me to surrender it to God and let Him get involved. Now, as I begin to reflect on what has happened so far, I can see His provision in getting me to this point. I hope I can use this knowledge and plant it more firmly in my heart so that I can give all my concerns to Him for the rest of the trip home.