Drivetrain - Transfer Case Leaking Fluid
TECHNICALBulletin No.: 09-04-21-004B
Date: January 23, 2012
Subject: Fluid Leak at Transfer Case Left Hand Weep Hole or Between Transfer Case to Transmission Interface (Replace Transfer Case Input Shaft Seal-Left or Transfer Case O-Ring Seal)
Models:
2008-2012 Buick Enclave
2008-2009 Chevrolet Equinox Sport
2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse
2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2007-2012 GMC Acadia
2010-2012 GMC Terrain
2008-2009 Pontiac Torrent GXP
2007-2010 Saturn OUTLOOK
2008-2010 Saturn VUE
2007-2009 Suzuki XL-7
Equipped with 6T45/70/75 Automatic Transmission RPOs MHC/MH4/MH6 for GM or AF33-5 AWD/PTU Automatic Transmission (RPO M45) for 2007-2008 Suzuki and Getrag 760 or 790 Power Takeoff Unit (Transfer Case)
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update model years and Correction information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-04-21-004A (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a fluid leak from the automatic transmission or transfer case area. Upon further diagnosis, the technician may find fluid leaking between the transmission to transfer case interface or from the transfer case left hand weep hole.
Correction
Thoroughly clean the area and use fluid dye to isolate the leak. Do not add dye to both the transmission and transfer case, as it will make it harder to identify the source of the leak. It is critical to understand the location of the leak and the fluid type (i.e. ATF or transfer case gear lubricant). A transfer case left hand weep hole leak can be either ATF or gear lubricant. If the leak is not coming from the transfer case weep hole, DO NOT replace the transfer case left hand input shaft seal.
Model 790 Transfer Case
Leaking from Transfer Case Left Hand Weep Hole
1. Remove the transfer case. Refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement in SI.
Important
Using published instructions and tools, the machined surface of the bore must be clean and free from scratches or nicks. Care must be taken not to scratch the seal bore when removing the old seal. To ensure proper alignment and depth of the seal, take four measurements every 90 degrees around the seal circumference, verifying uniform depth. The distance from the top face of the machined surface of the bore to the metal flange of the seal should be 24.3 +/- 0.1 mm (0.957 +/- 0.004 in). Failure to follow these instructions will result in replacement seal failure.
2. Replace the left transfer case input shaft seal-left (1) and the transfer case O-ring seal (2). Refer to Input Shaft Seal Replacement - Left in SI.
Leaking at Transmission Case to Transfer Case Interface
Replace the transfer case O-ring seal item #2 using published instructions and tools.
Model 760 Transfer Case
Leaking from Transfer Case Left Hand Weep Hole
1. Remove the transfer case. Refer to Transfer Case Assembly Replacement in SI.
Important
Using published instructions and tools, the machined surface of the bore must be clean and free from scratches or nicks. Care must be taken not to scratch the seal bore when removing the old seal. To ensure proper seal alignment and depth, take four measurements every 90 degrees around the seal circumference. The distance from the top face of the machined surface to the metal flange of the seal should be 17.7 +/- 0.1 mm (0.697 +/- 0.004 in). Failure to follow these instructions will result in replacement seal failure.
2. Replace the left transfer case input shaft seal-left (3) and the transfer case O-ring seal (4).
Leaking at Transmission Case to Transfer Case Interface
Replace the transfer case O-ring seal (4). Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step.
Parts Information
For part numbers and availability of seals, see the appropriate Parts Catalog. Saturn retailers should refer to the appropriate model year Parts and Illustration Catalog for the vehicle.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
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