Special Policy Adjustment - Front Wheel Bearing

The breakpoints for model year 2004 have been revised. Discard all copies of bulletin 06036, issued September 2006.

Some customers of 2002-2004 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek vehicles may hear a hum, growl, or groan coming from the front wheels at speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or higher. The ABS telltale lamp in the I/P may also illuminate. This may be caused by premature wear of the front wheel bearing(s).

This special policy covers the replacement of front wheel bearings due to premature wear for a period of 5 years or 60,000 miles (100,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 1, 2006, are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 1, 2006, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Involved are certain 2002-2004 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek vehicles built within the following VIN breakpoints:

Parts required to complete this special policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO).

General Motors will notify customers of this special policy on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly

Replace front wheel hub. Refer to the Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front procedure in SI for the wheel bearing removal and installation instructions.

For vehicles repaired under the terms of this special policy, submit a claim with the information indicated below:

All customer requests for reimbursement for previous repairs for the special policy condition will be handled by the Customer Assistance Center, not by dealers.

A General Motors Customer Reimbursement Procedure and Claim Form is included with the customer letter.

Important: Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 6.1.12, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement and the form.

Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs to correct the condition addressed in this bulletin are to be submitted to the dealer prior to or by September 30, 2007. Repairs must have occurred within the 5 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, or 100,000 km, whichever occurs first.

When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:

If the work was done by someone other than a GM dealership, the amount of reimbursement will be limited to the amount that the repair would have cost GM to have it completed by a GM dealership.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2002, 2003, or 2004 model year Buick Rendezvous or Pontiac Aztek vehicle, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some customers have heard a hum, growl, or groan coming from the front wheels at speeds of 10 mph (16 km/h) or higher. The ABS telltale lamp in the instrument panel may also illuminate. This may be caused by premature wear of the front wheel bearings.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the front wheel bearing(s). If the front wheel bearing(s) require replacement due to premature wear on your 2002, 2003, or 2004 Buick Rendezvous or Pontiac Aztek vehicle within 5 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 60,000 miles (100,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. If your vehicle displays this condition, you may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

The enclosed form explains what reimbursement is available and how to request reimbursement if you have paid for repairs for the special policy condition.

If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your dealer or the appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below. The Customer Assistance Center’s hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday.

We are sorry for any inconvenience you may experience; however we have taken this action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products.

General Motors Corporation

Enclosure

06036