Rear Axle - Noise Conditions Exchange Program
File In Section: 4 - Drive AxleBulletin No.: 86-42-03
Date: December, 1998
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Subject:
Rear Axle Exchange Program
Models:
1999 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Rear Wheel
Drive and Four Wheel Drive 15 Series Models
Equipped with 8.6 Inch Ring Gear Rear Axles
In order to provide customer feedback, an exchange program is being implemented for the 1999 American Axle & Man. (A.A.M) 8.6 Inch ring gear rear axle. This program is available until 2-28-99. This rear axle exchange will enable GM engineers and the axle supplier to evaluate product variation and will promote the development of process changes which will help minimize axle noise for the future.
Important:
This exchange program is ONLY valid for rear axle noise conditions, such as howl, growl, moan, or whine. Please contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at 1-800-227-3175 or 1-800-742-4636 should an axle exhibit any of the above noise conditions.
Important:
Exchanged rear axle assemblies must NOT be disassembled and must be returned as a complete unit including the rotors but without the rear brake calipers or the brake pads. Dealerships returning rear axle assemblies, even partially disassembled, will be subject to being billed for the exchange assemblies.
Exchange Procedure
1. Contact your divisional technical assistance group with details of the concern. If it is determined that an exchange rear axle assembly is necessary, the assembly will be shipped via the fastest means from A.A.M at no charge to the dealer. The replacement axle assembly will be shipped dry and must be filled to a level that is 15-30 mm below the axle fill plug. Use only the synthetic axle fluid P/N listed below.
2. When the exchange unit is received, the original unit must be returned to the GM Warranty Parts Center (WPC) within 15 days of receipt of the WPC parts request. Failure to return the axle will result in the dealership being billed the dealer net cost of the exchanged axle, which is $1462.50.
3. Replacement rear axle assemblies must be returned complete as removed from the vehicle including the rotors, but without the rear brake calipers or the brake pads. Original brake calipers and pads are to be re-installed onto the replacement axle. Do not disassemble any internal components of the axle before returning. Dealerships returning units even partially disassembled will be subject to billing for the component.
4. The exchange axle will contain the following forms:
^ Instruction sheet
^ Reporting form
^ Return shipping information Preparation for Shipping the Return Axle
1. Drain all of the axle fluid.
2. Transfer all of the plastic shipping plugs and covers.
3. Place the completed report form and a copy of the repair order (R.O.) in the attached plastic bag, then attach the bag to the axle assembly.
4. Pack the axle assembly Into the original shipping container and return to the address below.
GM Warranty Parts Center
45 Northpointe Rd.
Orion, MI. 48395
Important:
Refer to Warranty Administration Bulletin Number 40-05-010, dated September, 1998, for shipping instructions.
Parts Information
P/N 12378261 Is currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.