AXLE SHAFT SEAL LEAKS DIFFERENTIAL CASE WEAR CAUSE

CONDITIONS OF DRIVE AXLE SEAL LUBE LEAKAGE CAN BE THE RESULT OF THE SIDE GEAR BEING LOOSE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE. THIS CAN RESULT IN AXLE SHAFT MOVEMENT EXCEEDING THE SEAL LIMIT THEREBY ALLOWING A LEAK. IF EXAMINATION OF THE SEAL REVEALS NO DISCREPANCIES SUCH AS WEAR, CUTS, SPLITS OR IMPROPER INSTALLATION, AND IF THE AXLE SHAFT CAN BE MOVED BY HAND ENOUGH TO PRODUCE AN OIL LEAK, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE SIDE GEAR HAS WORN THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE. TO REPAIR, THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE MUST BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEARS. INSTALL NEW DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEARS P/N 14040530 WHICH HAVE IMPROVED FINISH AND NEW THRUST WASHERS P/N 14040531 WITH FINE GRAIN PHOSPHATE COATING TO CORRECT THE CONDITION.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.