Campaign - Front Axle Vent Tube Kinked: Overview
CUSTOMER SATISFACTIONBulletin No.: 07320A
Date: March 06, 2008
Subject:
07320A - Front Axle Vent Tube Kinked - Fluid Leak
Models:
2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2008 GMC Sierra
2500/3500 Series Four-Wheel Drive
Supercede:
THE SERVICE PROCEDURE IN THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT STATEMENT: "IF THE VENT TUBE CANNOT BE REPAIRED, DISCARD THE DAMAGED VENT TUBE AND REPLACE IT WITH THE BULK HOSE SPECIFIED IN THE PARTS INFORMATION SECTION OF THE BULLETIN. 152CM (5 FT) OF BULK HOSE IS REQUIRED". DO NOT DISCARD THE VENT TUBE CAP FROM THE DAMAGED VENT TUBE. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 07320, ISSUED DECEMBER 2007.
*****THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2008.*****
Condition
On certain 2007-2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 series four-wheel drive vehicles, the front axle vent tube may be kinked. Prior to vehicle assembly, the tube is kinked and secured with tape to prevent axle fluid leakage. On some of these vehicles, the tape may not have been removed upon completion of vehicle assembly. This could restrict venting when the vehicle is driven for long periods of time in four-wheel drive. If the venting is not adequate, pressure will build in the tube, resulting in axle fluid leakage. If this condition is undetected, permanent damage to the front differential components could result.
Correction
Dealers are to inspect the front differential vent tube, and if necessary, remove the tape and straighten the tube to ensure proper venting. Dealers are to also inspect the front axle for fluid leaks, and add axle fluid if required. Because the inspection is quite simple, and to reduce customer inconvenience, U.S. customers are being given the option to perform the inspection themselves or have their dealer perform the inspection. If a customer finds a kinked tube, they are being instructed to remove the tape, straighten the tube, and then schedule an appointment with their dealer for an axle inspection.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2007-2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 series four-wheel drive vehicles built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
Important:
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
- US dealers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information
- Canadian dealers - GMinfoNet Recall Reports
- Export dealers - sent directly to dealers
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO).
Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Service Procedure
1. Open the hood.
^ Front Differential Vent Tube
^ Underhood Electrical Center
^ Battery Tray
^ Radiator Hose
2. Locate the front differential vent tube (1). The vent tube (1) is located between the battery tray (3) and the underhood electrical center (2).
Important:
If the vent tube cannot be repaired, discard the damaged vent tube and replace it with the bulk hose specified in the Parts Information section of the bulletin. 152 cm (5 ft) of bulk hose is required. DO NOT discard the vent tube cap from the damaged vent tube.
3. Inspect the front differential vent tube.
^ If the front differential vent tube is kinked or folded over and taped (1 B), remove the tape from the wiring bundle and then unfold the vent tube to ensure proper vent tube operation.
^ If the front differential vent tube is NOT kinked or folded over and taped (1 A), no further action is required.
4. Inspect the front differential case, pinion seal, and axle output shafts for leaks.
^ If no differential case, pinion seal, or axle leak is present, no further action is required.
^ If a differential case, pinion seal, or axle leak is present, proceed to the next step.
5. Clean the front axle differential case and inspect the front differential case fluid level. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement in SI.
^ If the front axle fluid level is within specification, no further action is required.
^ If the front axle fluid level is low, add fluid into the front differential carrier assembly.
Courtesy Transportation - For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Claim Information
Submit a Product Claim with the information shown.
Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.
Customer Notification - For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
Customer Notification - For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the sample letter.
Dealer Program Responsibility - All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers possession and subject to this program must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through December 31, 2008.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Program follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service through December 31, 2008, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
Disclaimer