Drivetrain - Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle
Bulletin No.: 03-04-19-003Date: July 30, 2003
ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION
Subject:
Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle (Add Teflon(R) Tape To Front Axle Vent/Plug Threads)
Models:
2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2002-2003 GMC Denali, Denali XL, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2003 HUMMER H2
with All Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive Condition
Some customers may comment on a fluid leak from the front of the vehicle. Diagnosis may lead to a concern of an axle fluid leak from the front axle vent connector assembly (or plug in an H2). In some cases, the vent/plug connector may be finger tight, or separated from the axle housing.
Cause
Some vent/plug connectors may exhibit a shrinkage after installation into the axle assembly, which occurs for a time during thermal cycling until it becomes dimensionally stable.
Correction
Replacing the vent/plug connector may not repair the vehicle in some cases because the new piece may also shrink. A vent connector with a new material that will not exhibit this condition will enter production in the 4th quarter of 2003. Until the new part number vent/plug connector assembly is available from SPO, follow the recommended procedure below. This bulletin will be revised when the new part number becomes available.
Procedure
Reseal the vent/plug connector assembly with Teflon(R) tape following these steps:
1. Remove the vent/plug connector from the axle assembly.
2. Remove the 0-ring from the vent/plug connector. Inspect the 0-ring for wear or cracks.
3. Wipe away any excess oil and debris with a clean cloth.
4. Mark the vent/plug connector on the flange in order to identify the starting point of the Teflon(R) tape.
Important:
^ DO NOT tape the inner-most threads of the vent/plug. Excessive Teflon(R) tape may enter the front axle assembly possibly causing a seal leak.
^ DO NOT USE RTV Silicone on the vent/plug.
5. Wrap Teflon(R) tape three times around the vent/plug connector threads in a clockwise direction relative to the vane/oil side of the vent. Start and stop at the mark from step 4.
6. Trim the excess Teflon(R) tape from the inner-most threads. Excessive Teflon(R) tape may enter the front axle assembly possibly causing a seal leak.
7. Reinstall the vent/plug connector 0-ring.
Important:
Do not over or under-tighten from this specification or a leak may occur.
8. Install the vent/plug connector back into the axle assembly.
Tighten
Tighten the vent/plug connector to 15-20 N.m (11-14 lb ft).
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
Disclaimer