K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-4.8L VIN V (2003)
Differential Axle Housing: All Technical Service Bulletins
Drivetrain - Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle
Bulletin No.: 03-04-19-003
Date: 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.
