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Low Tire Pressure, Leaking Cast Aluminum Wheels (Repair with Adhesive Sealant)

Subject:Low Tire Pressure, Leaking Cast Aluminum Wheels (Repair with Adhesive Sealant)

Models:2007 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (including Saturn)
2003-2007 HUMMER H2
2006-2007 HUMMER H3
2006-2007 Saab 9-7X
with Cast Aluminum Wheels



This bulletin is being revised to add the 2007 model year and include Saturn, Saab 9-7X models and Canadian dealers. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-10-003A (Section 03 -- Suspension).


Condition

Some customers may comment on a low tire pressure condition.

Diagnosis of the low tire pressure condition indicates an air leak through the cast aluminum wheel.

Cause

Porosity in the cast aluminum wheel may be the cause.

Correction

  1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service procedure in SI.
  2. Locate the leaking area by inflating the tire to 276 kPa (40 psi) and dipping the tire/wheel assembly in a water bath, or use a spray bottle with soap and water to locate the specific leak location.
  3. Important: 

       â€¢  If the porosity leak is located in the bead area of the aluminum rim (where the tire meets the rim), the wheel should be replaced.
       â€¢ If two or more leaks are located on one wheel, the wheel should be replaced.

  4. If air bubbles are observed, mark the location.
  5. • If the leak location is on the tire/rubber area, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-001A or newer - Tire Puncture Repair Procedures for All Cars and Light Duty Trucks.
    • If the leak is located on the aluminum wheel area, continue with the next step.
  6. Inscribe a mark on the tire at the valve stem in order to indicate the orientation of the tire to the wheel.
  7. Dismount the tire from the wheel. Refer to Tire Mounting and Dismounting.
  8. Remove the tire pressure sensor. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-16-002 regarding tire pressure sensor grommet replacement, and the appropriate Tire Pressure Sensor removal procedure in SI.
  9. Scuff the INSIDE rim surface at the leak area with #80 grit paper and clean the area with general purpose cleaner, such as 3M® General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, P/N 08984, or equivalent.
  10. Apply a 3 mm (0.12 in) thick layer of Silicone - Adhesive/Sealant, P/N 12378478 (in Canada, use 88900041), or equivalent, to the leak area.
  11. Allow for the adhesive/sealant to dry.
  12. Notice: Caution must be used when mounting the tire so as not to damage the sealer. Damaging the repair area may result in an air leak.

  13. Align the inscribed mark on the tire with the valve stem on the wheel.
  14. Reinstall the Tire Pressure Sensor. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-16-002 regarding tire pressure sensor grommet replacement, and the appropriate Tire Pressure Sensor installation procedure in SI.
  15. Mount the tire on the wheel. Refer to Tire Mounting and Dismounting.
  16. Pressurize the tire to 276 kPa (40 psi) and inspect for leaks.
  17. Adjust tire pressure to meet the placard specification.
  18. Balance the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Balancing - Off-Vehicle.
  19. Install the tire and wheel assembly onto the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service procedure in SI.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

12378478

(in Canada, use 88900041)

Silicone - Adhesive/Sealant

3M®

08984

3M® General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner

Warranty Information (excluding Saab U.S. Models)

Important: The Silicone - Adhesive/Sealant comes in a case quantity of six. ONLY charge warranty one tube of adhesive/sealant per wheel repair.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

One leak repair per wheel.

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

E0420

Wheel - One - R&R Or Replace

Use Published Labor operation Time

Add:

To Repair Porosity On Aluminum Wheel

0.1 hr

Add:

To Repair Each Additional Wheel

0.4 hr

Warranty Information (Saab U.S. Models)

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Failed Object

Fault/Reason

Location Code

Warranty Type

Repair/Action Code

Labor Time

7711001

Wheel - One - R&R Or Replace

77110

55

3-left

4-right

5-all

01

05

Use Published Labor Operation Time

add

7711003

To Repair Porosity On Aluminum Wheel

--

--

--

--

--

0.1 hr

add

7711002

To Repair Each Additional Wheel

--

--

--

--

--

Use Published Labor Operation Time