Suburban 1/2 Ton 2WD V8-5.3L VIN T (2004)
Drive/Propeller Shaft: All Technical Service Bulletins
Drivetrain - Rear Diferential Whining Noise at 45-60 MPH
Bulletin No.: 03-04-17-001E
Date: December 22, 2005
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Whine Noise from Rear Axle (Diagnose and Replace Rear Shaft With Tuned Torsional Damper Rear Propeller Shaft)
Models:
2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2003-2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2000-2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Series
2002-2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Series
2000-2005 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Series, Yukon XL Denali
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-04-17-001D (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a slight axle whine heard only at certain speeds, typically between 72-96 km/h (45-60 mph).
Cause
"Inherent" ring and pinion gear whine.
All gear driven units, such as automotive rear axles, produce some level of noise that cannot be eliminated with conventional adjustments and repairs.
"Inherent" axle noise can be described as a slight noise heard only at a certain speed (typically between 72-96 km/h (45-60 mph) on most General
Motors(R) trucks). The presence of this noise is not indicative of a functional concern with the axle assembly. However, some customers may find that
this "inherent" axle noise is unacceptable.
Correction
Replace the rear propeller shaft with a tuned torsional damper shaft ONLY after diagnosis concludes that it is an "inherent" rear axle noise and no
physical damage or incorrect adjustment exists.
Important:
If the noise is not correctly diagnosed as "inherent" and having a peak in the narrow speed range of 72-96 km/h (45-60 mph), the addition of a tuned
torsional damper propeller shaft can aggravate the perceptible noise level. It is extremely important to first diagnose the rear axle noise as "inherent"
before installing a new tuned torsional damper propeller shaft.
Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement
1.
Raise the vehicle.
2.
Remove the bolts and the yoke retainers from the rear axle pinion yoke.
Note:
When removing the propeller shaft, do not attempt to remove the shaft by pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the
universal joint. If the propeller shaft is removed by using such means, the injection joints may fracture and lead to premature failure of the
joint.
3.
Slide the propeller shaft forward in order to disconnect the propeller shaft from the rear axle pinion yoke.
4.
Slide the propeller shaft rearward in order to disconnect the propeller shaft from the transmission or transfer case.
5.
Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle and discard.
6.
Install the new tuned torsional damper propeller shaft (see Parts Information below) into the transmission or transfer case.
7.
Install the propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion yoke.
