SMU for 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals

The purpose of this bulletin is to update all 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals at your location with the following:

Please obtain all 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals at your location and make the following updates to each service manual as indicated in this bulletin.

1. Using a marker or pen, cross out "Rear Drive Module (RDM) Fluid" general description on page 246 from the 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals.
2. Next to item crossed out in step 1, write the following:

"Refer to Technical Bulletin 02-T-01"

3. Make photocopies of pages 3 - 6 of this bulletin.
4. Insert a photocopy of pages 3 - 6 into each service manual:

•	Insert photocopy of page 3 between pages 246 and 247.

•	Insert photocopy of pages 4 - 6 between pages 260 and 261.

•	Insert photocopy of pages 4 - 6 between pages 264 and 265.

1. Using a marker or pen, cross out page 302 from the 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals.
2. Next to item crossed out in step 1, write the following:

"Refer to Technical Bulletin 02-T-01"

3. Make photocopies of page 7 of this bulletin.
4. Insert a photocopy of pages 7 between pages 302 and 303.
5. On page 489, using a marker or pen, cross out "Rear" and the torque specification for Rear Bracket-to-Support Bolt torque specification.
6. Write in the new specification of "95 N.M (70 ft-lbs)." It should read as follows:

"Bracket-to-Support Bolt: 95 N.M (70 ft-lbs)"

Service manual update page for page 246 of 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals. Refer to Technical Information Bulletin 02-T-01, January, 2002.

The rear differential assembly uses a specifically developed synthetic hypoid fluid which is intended for a lifetime service interval. However, proper fluid level must be maintained to ensure proper rear differential assembly operation.

Notice: Use only GM VERSATRAK fluid

The fluid level range for proper rear differential assembly operation is 700 - 800 ml. New service replacement units will be shipped dry (without fluid). Fill new units with 750 ml of GM VERSATRAK fluid.

Notice: Do not use any leak detection dye additive. Additives may affect the operation of All-Wheel Drive system. The GM VERSATRAK fluid contains a phosphorous agent, which when used with a black light will assist in leak detection.

Service manual update pages for "Rear Differential Assembly Fluid Checking Procedure" in the 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals. Refer to Technical Information Bulletin 02-T-01, January, 2002.

Checking rear differential assembly fluid for proper level requires that the internal pump and clutch assembly be primed with fluid. One of the following priming methods must be completed prior to checking the rear differential assembly fluid level.

On-Hoist Priming Method

Caution: Make sure vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned on the hoist.

1. Position vehicle on hoist and raise vehicle by the frame so that all four wheels hang free.
2. Start engine and place in drive.
3. Release brake pedal, all four wheels will spin.

Notice: Do not exceed more than five seconds of parking brake apply. The rear differential assembly clutches are in a slipping condition and are generating heat.

4. Slowly apply the parking brake just enough to stop the rear wheels from spinning.
5. Apply throttle until the rear wheels start to spin again for five seconds maximum.
6. Release the parking brake and bring vehicle wheels to a stop.
7. Put vehicle in park and turn vehicle off.

OR

On-Road Priming Method

1. Drive vehicle on a paved flat surface in a 360° circle for three consecutive revolutions at 8 km/h (5 mph).

1. Prime rear differential assembly, use either On-Hoist or On- Road method.

Caution: Make sure vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned on the hoist.

2. Position vehicle on hoist and raise vehicle.
3. Make sure vehicle is level.



4. Clean area around rear differential assembly fill fluid plug.
5. Remove rear differential assembly fill fluid plug.



6. Fabricate a dipstick from a pipe cleaner or similar item. Refer to illustration shown.
7. Insert dipstick into fill plug opening as shown.
8. Remove dipstick and measure distance from bend in dipstick to GM ERSATRAK Fluid level (1). Distance between bend and GM VERSATRAK Fluid level should be 8 - 17 mm (.32 - .68 in) . Refer to illustration shown.
9. Add or remove fluid as required. Too much or too little GM VERSATRAK Fluid may have an adverse effect on the operation of the all wheel drive system.
10. Apply thread sealer P/N 21485278 or equivalent to the threads of the rear differential assembly fill plug.
11. Install and tighten rear differential assembly fill fluid plug.

Tighten
Tighten the read differential assembly fill plug to 20 N·m (15 lb-ft).

12. Lower vehicle and check for leaks.

Service manual update page for page 302 of 2002 VUE Chassis Service Manuals. Refer to Technical Information Bulletin 02-T-01, January, 2002.

1. Position rear differential assembly in vehicle.
2. Install left and right rear differential assembly mount bolts and new nuts to the support, then hand tighten.
3. Position rear bracket to support mount. Install bolt and new nut, and tighten bolt to specification.

Tighten
Tighten the bracket-to-support bolt to 95 N·m (70 lb-ft).

4. Tighten rear differential assembly mount to support (front) bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the rear differential assembly mount-to-support (front) bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb-ft).

5. Install vent hose to rear differential assembly.



6. Install propshaft to vehicle. Engage front CV-joint into PTU.