New Design Front Axle Side Bearing Adjusters - keywords leak noise

PI is being superseded to update part number. Please discard PIP4030.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

A newly designed 8.25" front axle is in production. The new design eliminates the t-lock side bearing adjusters. The new adjusters are retained by a pressed in lock ring that maintains the adjuster setting for backlash and side bearing preload. This design was phased into production during September, 2006. As a result in the 2007 model year, both old-style (Classic - GMT800) and new-style (GMT900) vehicles built before the change have the t-lock design adjusters, and both types of vehicles built after the change have the lock ring design adjusters.

Front axle housings for old-style (Classic - GMT800) and new-style (GMT900) vehicles are not interchangeable. However, all service front axle housings for all model years from SPO will use the new design adjusters, and use the new lock ring. The t-lock adjusters are not interchangeable with the lock ring adjusters. The t-lock adjusters are still available, but if housing replacement is needed, it is necessary to order the lock ring style housing, two of the new adjusters and two of the lock rings. Dealerships should consider ordering a supply of lock rings (P/N 15876533), because they are not reusable.

Service procedures in SI are pending.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.