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<H1>Info - Use of Synthetic Front Axle Lubricant for 4WD Vehcles Sold in Cold Weather Climates #03-04-19-001 - (02/11/2003)</H1></TABLE>Use of Synthetic Front Axle Lubricant for 4WD Vehicles Sold in Cold Weather Climates
2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500, Silverado 1500HD, 2500, 3500, Suburban 2500
2002-2003 GMC Sierra 1500HD, 2500, 3500, Yukon XL 2500
with Four-Wheel Drive and 9.25" Front Axle Assemblies
<H4>Important</H4>
This bulletin is intended for vehicles sold in very cold weather climates, especially those in Alaska and certain regions of Canada.
Front axles in the above listed vehicles are manufactured with mineral-oil base axle fluid. Because of the 9.25" front axle assembly's internal design characteristics, there may be insufficient lubrication flow at very low ambient temperatures (-24°C (-12°F) or below). This may contribute to premature pinion bearing wear if a vehicle is driven extensively in very low ambient temperatures.
New vehicles that are expected to operate extensively in 4WD in temperatures below -24°C (-12°F) should have their front axle fluid drained and refilled with synthetic axle lubricant during PDI or before delivery to the first retail customer. Follow the Front Drive Axle Lubricant Replacement procedure found in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #673354). It is not necessary to flush the front axle assembly. Use Synthetic Axle Lubricant, P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455). Approximate fluid capacity is 1.73L (1.83 qts)*.
*This information is not currently in the Owner's Manual. Please provide a copy of this bulletin to customers for future reference.
For vehicles that have the axle lubricant changed, the front axle vent hose connector assembly will need to be inspected. If the vent hose connector is black in color, it will also need to be changed so that the O-ring seal is compatible with the synthetic lubricant. Install vent connector, P/N 12479296. Follow the Front Drive Axle Vent Hose Connector Replacement procedure in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #843184).
<H4>Important</H4>
Front axle assemblies with a vent hose connector assembly that is white in color do not need to be changed.
<A name=ss1-1239721><A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1239721&psdid=271&evc=sm#ss1-1239721" target="_blank">
<H5>Parts Information</A></H5>
<TABLE width="100%" border=1>
<T>
<TR>
<TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>
Part Number</TH>
<TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>
Description</TH>
<TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>
Qty</TH></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
12378261
(Canadian P/N 10953455)</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
Oil, Synthetic Gear</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
2</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
12479296</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
Connector, Axle Vent</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
1</TD></TR></T></TABLE>
2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500, Silverado 1500HD, 2500, 3500, Suburban 2500
2002-2003 GMC Sierra 1500HD, 2500, 3500, Yukon XL 2500
with Four-Wheel Drive and 9.25" Front Axle Assemblies
<H4>Important</H4>
This bulletin is intended for vehicles sold in very cold weather climates, especially those in Alaska and certain regions of Canada.
Front axles in the above listed vehicles are manufactured with mineral-oil base axle fluid. Because of the 9.25" front axle assembly's internal design characteristics, there may be insufficient lubrication flow at very low ambient temperatures (-24°C (-12°F) or below). This may contribute to premature pinion bearing wear if a vehicle is driven extensively in very low ambient temperatures.
New vehicles that are expected to operate extensively in 4WD in temperatures below -24°C (-12°F) should have their front axle fluid drained and refilled with synthetic axle lubricant during PDI or before delivery to the first retail customer. Follow the Front Drive Axle Lubricant Replacement procedure found in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #673354). It is not necessary to flush the front axle assembly. Use Synthetic Axle Lubricant, P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455). Approximate fluid capacity is 1.73L (1.83 qts)*.
*This information is not currently in the Owner's Manual. Please provide a copy of this bulletin to customers for future reference.
For vehicles that have the axle lubricant changed, the front axle vent hose connector assembly will need to be inspected. If the vent hose connector is black in color, it will also need to be changed so that the O-ring seal is compatible with the synthetic lubricant. Install vent connector, P/N 12479296. Follow the Front Drive Axle Vent Hose Connector Replacement procedure in the Service Manual (SI Document ID #843184).
<H4>Important</H4>
Front axle assemblies with a vent hose connector assembly that is white in color do not need to be changed.
<A name=ss1-1239721><A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1239721&psdid=271&evc=sm#ss1-1239721" target="_blank">
<H5>Parts Information</A></H5>
<TABLE width="100%" border=1>
<T>
<TR>
<TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>
Part Number</TH>
<TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>
Description</TH>
<TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>
Qty</TH></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
12378261
(Canadian P/N 10953455)</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
Oil, Synthetic Gear</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
2</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
12479296</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
Connector, Axle Vent</TD>
<TD vAlign=center align=middle>
1</TD></TR></T></TABLE>