Rear axle pinion seal recall

[STAGEUP]

They should just replace the diff with the GTO Dana diff. Yeah, its a cast iron unit.

[thebigjimsho]

Originally Posted by V-Smooth

bigjimsho, valid question...supposedly they "fixed" the problem in '06 or whatever. I had my pinion seal replaced about three months ago. And about the '06s having less wheelhop...dont think so. I still get a the shimmy of death under hard acceleration. I figure if I blow the ass out it's covered, oh well.

I had mine replaced in '05 so I guess I'll be visiting my dealer in April...

[ewill3rd]

The TSB above came out last week, I did one yesterday. It gets a new design seal, a yoke with a splash sheild on it and a new nut that needs to be torqued to 210 lb. ft.
I like the way it looks and I think this one might stay sealed.

I am not aware of this becoming a recall, but I am not sure yet.
GM tells you guys before they tell me anyway

[CVP33]

Ah, those pesky seals.

[WheelHop]

My 06 + diff has less than 2k miles on it and just the other day I looked under the car to make sure the dealer re-installed my BMR diff support when they did the swap... What did I see? Rear diff fluid ALL OVER my exhaust and my BMR support is COVERED in a thick grease looking crap!! The rearend is BRAND NEW!

[Koooop]

I don't want those monkeys messing with my Virgin, non whining, non leaking rear end.

[urbanski]

mine leaks out its blowhole, but i aint replacing it for that.

[ewill3rd]

This will be a recall, the letters are scheduled to be released in February.

Date: December 21, 2007

Subject: Upcoming Safety Recall 07204
Drive Axle Seal Leak – Replace Seal

Models: 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, SRX, STS, STS-V;
2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice
2007 Saturn Sky

To correct this condition, Dealers/Retailers are to replace the pinion seal(s).

A total number of 275,936 vehicles are involved. Dealers/Retailers will be notified when customer notification letters are scheduled to be mailed. GM anticipates releasing the dealer/retailer bulletin and mailing owner letters in February, 2008.

This looks to cover front diff seals on SRX and STS AWD vehicles and pretty much the rear on most others.
Anything replaced before last week, looks like it will need to be replaced again.
The new parts are quite different than the old ones and I think will work much better.
As I mentioned, I did one on Friday using the TSB mentioned above. I am sure the recall will use the same parts.

[OldRoadDawg]

Well Bill... you've just been hanging around, bugging James, looking for something to do anyway.
Right?

[Got5onit]

I just had my pinion seal replaced a few days ago for leaking.

[Twitch]

Originally Posted by rand49er

^^^Yeah that.

Dealer replaced a dripping pinion seal after I got my first diff replaced. 'Tis dry now.

Wonder if I should take it in if it ain't broke?

Only had my V a couple months, but I think it may have the original diff.
Do I really want them opening stuff up that might lead to other problems???
My diff is fine. I'd rather they didn't touch it.

[thebigjimsho]

Originally Posted by Twitch

Only had my V a couple months, but I think it may have the original diff.
Do I really want them opening stuff up that might lead to other problems???
My diff is fine. I'd rather they didn't touch it.

Being so major a thing as a recall, I believe you'll have ample time to drive it around and bring it in later...

But if ewill says that the new pieces look much better, I'd get it done. I know one of my axles and the area around it has been "wet" for a while although it doesn't leak. It's more like seepage than a leak.

[ewill3rd]

I'll take some old vs. new photos next time I do one.
The new yoke has a deflector on it and the new seal is much more pliable and has what looks like a better sealing ring on it.
As I said the kit comes with a new yoke, seal and retaining nut for the pinion shaft.
I hadn't even heard of this bulletin and when I did it the thing was 3 days old. I had to overnight the parts, we don't stock them yet. I am pretty sure they'll use the same parts as they do in the TSB, we'll probably start stocking these kits by the time the recall hits your mailbox.

Not to cause undue stress here, but if this job is done wrong it will trash the rear end. Hopefully they will follow the instructions.

[rand49er]

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

... Anything replaced before last week, looks like it will need to be replaced again.
The new parts are quite different than the old ones and I think will work much better. ...

I want to be current on all upgrades/TSBs/enhancements/etc., if nothing else to protect the value of my car.

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

... Not to cause undue stress here, but if this job is done wrong it will trash the rear end. Hopefully they will follow the instructions.

This sure takes a bit of enthusiasm away for wanting to stay current.


Question: Is this a Getrag snafu or did GM spec this and Getrag just produced it to the spec? I would think the former ... anybody?

[ewill3rd]

You guys that are lucky enough to be in our service area, don't worry.
I'll talk to James and we'll make sure anybody doing this job is up to snuff on doing it right.
Either that or we'll have me and my helpers do them all

The real issue is properly reinstalling the yoke and pinion nut. If they overtorque it they will kill the pinion bearings. There is a real temptation to just hit the thing with an impact gun and back it out.
The procedure also calls for loctite application and using the proper seal installer. If those steps are skipped... it may not work so well.