Drivetrain - Front Axle Rubbing/Moaning/Growling Noises
ENGINEERING INFORMATIONBulletin No.: 08-04-19-002C
Date: March 11, 2010
Subject: EI08197 - Front Axle Rubbing, Moan or Growl Noise in 2WD May Not Occur in 4WD (Replace Left Front Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Boot)
Models:
2008-2010 Chevrolet Colorado
2008-2010 GMC Canyon
Equipped with 4WD and Built Prior to October 28, 2009
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to provide a build date. Vehicles built after that date were corrected in production. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-04-19-002B (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a rubbing, moan or growl noise from the front of the vehicle. The condition may be described as a noise that phases (cycles) in and out. The noise typically occurs in 2WD and is eliminated when shifted to 4WD.
Cause
This condition may be caused by a left front wheel drive shaft (halfshaft) with an inboard stroke position that is too long. When the shaft was assembled during manufacture, the inner joint and boot may have been extended too far, trapping excessive air inside the boot when the clamps were installed. This condition could result in the shank of the inner joint of the shaft contacting and rubbing on the intermediate front wheel drive shaft in the front axle. This condition could be more common at high altitudes, because the difference in air pressure between the inside of the boot and the atmosphere would be greater, increasing the contact force between the two components.
Correction
Half-shaft
Intermediate Shaft
Verify the condition by removing the left front wheel drive shaft (halfshaft). Inspect the end of the halfshaft and the intermediate front wheel drive shaft for evidence of contact, as shown in the pictures above. It is not necessary to replace these components because of this wear.
Replace the left front wheel drive shaft inner joint boot. Refer to the Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement procedure in SI. Before securing the new large clamp and the boot to the joint housing, be sure to check the inboard stroke position, as specified in the procedure. Note that the dimension (a) needed to complete this repair is 10.8", or 275 mm, which is shorter than the dimension shown in SI.
Add 3.4 ounces (100 mL) of SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant, GM P/N 89021677 (in Canada, use 89021678) into the end of the clutch housing before re-installing the wheel drive shaft (halfshaft). Inspect and assure that the lubricant level is at the bottom of the fill plug opening.
Important
Most vehicles will be repaired by replacing the inner joint boot, setting the inboard stroke position to the dimension provided, and adding fluid as directed above. In some rare cases where this procedure does not eliminate the concern, it may be necessary to loosen the front axle mounts and move the axle as far as possible to the right hand side. Retighten the mounts to 152 Nm (112 lb ft).
Parts Information
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table above.
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