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Advance Service Info - Fluid Leak from Front of Vehicle (Add Teflon Tape to Front Axle Vent/Plug Threads)

Subject:Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle (Add Teflon® 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® tape following these steps:

  1. Remove the vent/plug connector from the axle assembly.
  2. Remove the O-ring from the vent/plug connector. Inspect the O-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® tape.

    5. Important: 

       • DO NOT tape the inner-most threads of the vent/plug. Excessive Teflon® tape may enter the front axle assembly possibly causing a seal leak.
       • DO NOT USE RTV Silicone on the vent/plug.

  5. Wrap Teflon® 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.

    6. Object Number: 1358408 Size: SH
  6. Trim the excess Teflon® tape from the inner-most threads. Excessive Teflon® tape may enter the front axle assembly possibly causing a seal leak.
  7. Reinstall the vent/plug connector O-ring.

    8. Important:  Do not over or under-tighten from this specification or a leak may occur.

  8. Install the vent/plug connector back into the axle assembly.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the vent/plug connector to 15-20N·m(11-14 lb ft).

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

F3269

Ventilator, Axle - Front - Reseal

Use published labor operation time