Rear seal recall

[Benjamin Simon]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22359333/

Is this the rear seal everyone was/is having trouble with?

[Force-1]

GM recalling 313,000 vehicles to fix fluid leak

By KEN THOMAS
Associated Press

WASHINGTON — General Motors Corp. said Friday it was recalling about 313,000 passenger cars and crossover vehicles to fix a fluid leak that could lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle.

The recall involves 275,936 vehicles in the United States, including the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS and STS sedans, 2005-2007 Cadillac SRX crossovers, and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and the 2007 Saturn Sky convertibles. About 38,000 additional vehicles are under recall in Mexico, Canada, the Middle East and Asia, GM said.

GM said the seal on the rear axle pinion, which provides power to the wheels, does not meet all specifications and could leak fluid. GM spokeswoman Carolyn Markey said the leak could lead to the drivewheel jamming up and locking while the vehicle is being driven, possibly causing the driver to lose control.

There has been one crash reported in which the rear wheels locked because of the leak and hit another car. In a separate incident, a driver reported an injury after moving around in the car as the vehicle lost control.

Markey said there have been "a higher than normal" number of warranty claims because of the problem.

The recall is expected to begin in February 2008 and dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. Owners may contact Cadillac at 800-982-2339, Pontiac at 800-620-7668 and Saturn at 800-972-8876.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan.../D8TLUN281.htm

[northlites]

Now they tell us !

I've had my STS for 3 years. So far so good, but this recall doesn't bring
really good news. It makes you want to resume bad habits like drinking
while driving.

[ewill3rd]

I posted a copy of the notice from GM advising us that this recall will probably begin in February.
Watch your mailboxes for a letter from GM about any affected vehicle.
Check here and when people start having it done you can call your dealer and have them check GMVIS to see if your vehicle is affected.

[rb92gt]

Huh! If your rear diff does not leak, I would be cautious letting the dealer touch your diff. Mine still leaks after 4 dealer visits including replacing the entire rear diff. Seems like a serious design flaw, not just quality control anymore.

[dkozloski]

Fifty or more years ago automotive shaft seals were made from leather. In fact, the largest producer was Chicago Rawhide. Leather seals were very reliable but would weep a very small amount of fluid. The answer was to change the sealing material to synthetic rubber or plastic. These seals can be made totally leak free but are not anywhere near as rugged as leather and are subject to catastrophic failures. Sometimes the best progress is a step backwards in time.

[Ernie Short]

My differental locked up at 70MPH and luckily the spider gear shattered and unlocked the differential. I was able to drive (with much rearend noises and vibrations) to a rest area and called roadside assistance. The dealer in Joplin, Mo told me it looked like the differential never had fluid in it. The car had a little over 5000 miles. The replaced the differential. Subsequently the seal had to be replaced at about 15000miles and is leaking again - so back to the dealer to get the seal replaced again. Nice of GM to issue a recall in 2008 for a problem that surfaced in 2005. Guess they were waiting for someone to get hurt.

[ascariSTS]

Ernie

Didn't you notice the leak below the car ?


Guys,

Is there any chance that the leaked fluid doesn't reach the floor ?... meaning, do I have to check the car from down instead of the floor ?

[ewill3rd]

It could leak and not make a puddle, have the car inspected if you are scared.
Otherwise wait for the recall.

[corvette00]

My 07 leaked a puddle. I asked Cadillac for recommendations on garage floor cleaners. My 07 has had two front end leaks and the rear seal issue. Leaks appear to be fixed, no suggestions on floor cleaners yet.

[ascariSTS]

ewill

mine was leaking... They replaced my seal.. no more leak.. but I dunno...

What would the recall do for those who replaced it several times and it's still leaking ?

[ewill3rd]

The recall will likely involve an inspection procedure. If the new design seal is not in place I suspect that they will have us install the new design seal. Even if the seal has been replaced before, if it is the old style I am confident that your dealer would intall the newer design part.

As I have said though, until it comes out in print from GM it is all speculation.

[pjbizjak]

YEP, there it is, a little puddle on garage floor right below the rearend differential. 2007 STS with 11k miles. Touched puddle with my fingers and then smelled and felt it, sure smells and feels like some kind of lubrication. I'm not waiting for the recall since the car is still under warranty, calling dealer Monday.

[ewill3rd]

Make sure they are aware of the TSB so they don't install the original seal. I think the parts catalog already reflects the proper part numbers so maybe they can't even do it by accident.
You might mention that you heard of the TSB to your advisor.

[sapien]

thanks for the info, good to know and something to check as I just bought an '05