Squeak, Squeal or Whistle Noise from Front Axle (Replace Intermediate Axle Seal and/or Differential Carrier Seal)

This bulletin is being revised to change the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-04-19-002A (Section 04 - Driveline/Axle).

Some customers may comment on a high pitched squeal, squeak or whistle noise in the front end of the vehicle. This noise usually occurs once per wheel revolution. This may be more common in cold weather below 5°C (40° F). The noise may be coming from the right front axle intermediate shaft housing outboard seal or the left outer differential carrier seal. For testing purposes, spraying a lubricant on the seal should temporarily reduce the noise. This noise should not be mistaken for a wheel bearing issue.

A lack of lubrication in the seal may cause this condition.

Replace the right front axle intermediate shaft housing outboard seal or the left outer differential carrier seal using the following procedure and part number listed below.

1. In the illustration below, number 1 is Chevrolet and GMC and number 2 is an Oldsmobile. The affected seals are indicated by the arrows.



2. Remove the brake caliper retaining bolts from the bracket and the brake hose from knuckle assembly.
3. Disconnect the ABS harness connector and remove the harness.
4. Support the brake caliper assembly.
5. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nut and tie rod from the knuckle assembly using the J 24319 - Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller.
6. Remove the intermediate shaft nut and loosen the shaft from the knuckle assembly.
7. Remove the upper ball joint pinch bolt and lower ball joint nut and remove the knuckle assembly.
8. Remove the drive axle from the housing by placing a brass drift punch against the tripot housing and striking it with a hammer.
9. Remove the stabilizer bar linkage.
10. Remove the upper strut retaining bolts.
11. Remove the nut from the lower strut assembly and use the J 24319-B to press the lower strut assembly off of the stud, and remove the assembly from the vehicle.
12. Remove the outboard intermediate shaft seal or the differential carrier seal using the J 29369-2 - Bushing and Bearing Remover and the J 6125-B - Slide Hammer.
13. Clean the intermediate shaft bearing assembly and/or the differential housing of oil and dirt. Install the seal using the J 45225 - Seal Installer and the J 8092 - Shaft Installer.
14. Clean and inspect the intermediate shaft for dirt or rust.
15. Install the drive axle.
16. Install the shock module and tighten the two upper retaining bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

17. Tighten the lower shock module yoke to the lower control arm.

Tighten
Tighten the yoke to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

18. Install the stabilizer shaft linkage.

Tighten
Tighten the stabilizer shaft linkage to 100 N·m (74 lb  ft).

19. Install the knuckle assembly and the lower ball joint nut. Install the intermediate shaft through the knuckle assembly.

Install the upper ball joint to the control arm and install the pinch bolt and nut.

Tighten

•	Tighten the pinch bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

•	Tighten the lower ball joint nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

20. Install the intermediate shaft nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

21. Install the tie rod end in the steering knuckle.

Tighten
Tighten the tie rod end to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

22. Install the brake caliper and brake hoses.

Tighten
Tighten the caliper bolts to 51 N·m (38 lb ft).

23. Install and connect the harness.
24. Inspect the fluid in the front differential housing. Add fluid as necessary.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: