EI07082 - Power Steering Fluid Leaking from Power Steering Gear/Rack Assembly
| Subject: | EI07082 -- Power Steering Fluid Leaking from Power Steering Gear/Rack Assembly |
| Models: | 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT |
| 2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe |
| 2007-2008 GMC Denali, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL |
| 1500 Series Only |
| Attention: | Proceed with this bulletin ONLY if the customer has commented about this concern AND the EI number is listed in GMVIS, otherwise disregard the bulletin and proceed with diagnostics found in the published service information. THIS IS NOT A RECALL. Refer to Service Bulletin 04-00-89-053A for more detail on the use of Engineering Information Bulletins. |
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 model year and update the information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-02-32-002B (Section 02 -- Steering).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a fluid leak. Upon investigation, the technician may find fluid leaking from the power steering system.
What Action to Take
Important: All potential leaks should be completely cleaned and identified before attempting to repair or replace any power steering components.
- Start diagnosis by inspecting the fluid level in the Power Steering Reservoir. If the fluid level is NOT low, a careful analysis of the condition is necessary as it may involve a different type of fluid leak.
- Visually inspect the components where the fluid has accumulated.
- Completely clean off any fluid residue from the suspect components.
- Apply tracing powder to the suspect components. This is an effective way to determine the source of a leak. As an alternative, fluorescent dye (such as Kent Moore J 28431-6) may be added to the power steering fluid.
- Start the vehicle and allow the power steering system to reach normal operating temperatures.
- Turn the steering wheel to the stops in each direction while bumping the steering wheel against the stops 3-4 times. This will build maximum steering system pressure and help identify the source of the leak if present.
- Determine the source of the leak.
- If a repeatable leak is found, use the following tables to determine if the condition is repaired and what corrective action is needed.
Tip
A black light may be used with yellow safety glasses to help pinpoint the source of a leak.
Repairable Leaks
Source of Leak | Correction |
|---|---|
Pressure feed and return hoses/lines | Replace seals, hose, or line set |
Power steering pump | Reseal or replace pump if necessary |
Cylinder gear/rack lines | Replace O-ring seals or rack lines |
Non- Repairable Leaks
Source of Leak | Correction |
|---|---|
Porosity leak in the gear/rack housing | Replace steering gear/rack |
Leak from tie rod boots | |
Pinion seal | |
Repeatable leak at steering gear adjuster plug* | See note below |
*If fluid is observed at the adjuster plug during the initial visual inspection, then refer to the following:
| • | Seepage at the adjuster plug may not necessarily indicate an active leak. Power steering fluid is used during the manufacturing of the gear/rack. The fluid used at assembly is pushed into the pinion area during assembly. The adjuster plug and the area below the pinion are not positively sealed. Fluid trapped in this area during assembly may seep from the adjuster plug. The rack should not be replaced for this condition. |
| • | You can distinguish seepage from an active leak by removing the left tie rod boot clamp and inspecting for the presence of fluid at the inner tie rod. |
| • | If no fluid is found in the left tie rod boot, replace the boot clamp and clean the seepage from the rack. No further action is needed. |
| • | If fluid is found in the left tie rod boot, replace the gear assembly. |
Engineer Contact Information
You may contact Engineer Tim Emmitt at 586-492-0278 for additional information or guidance before repairing the vehicle. This call may result in a personal visit to your dealership or a special request to return parts that exhibit unique conditions. In either case, you should receive a response back within 2 hours on what action to take the same business day of your call (Eastern Daylight Time).
If you do not receive a response from engineering, then proceed to repair the vehicle. Use normal diagnostics and claim the repair work under the appropriate warranty labor operation.
GM Engineering is working to determine the root cause of the above conditions. GM Engineering has a need to obtain information during diagnosis and BEFORE repair. As a result, this information will be used by engineering to "root cause" the customer's concern and develop/validate a field fix.
Parts Information
Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
15254058 | Pipe Kit, Steering Gear |
15254059 | Pipe Kit, Steering Gear |
11562064 | Clamp, Crimp (Boot to Rack) |
11562066 | Clamp, Spring (Boot to Tie Rod) |
26100863 | Seal, Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose |
26081619 | Seal, Steering Gear Cylinder Pipe (O-ring) |
Warranty Information
Important: DO NOT use the labor operation listed below if engineering did not respond.
For vehicles repaired under engineering direction, use:
Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time |
|---|---|---|
E9451* | Engineering Information-Power Steering Leak | 0.6 hr |
Add | Repair per Engineer Direction | Use Actual Repair Order Clock Time |
*This labor operation number is for bulletin use only. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide. | ||
