Brand NEW Sierra Steering Rack Leak

scott26 · May 21, 2012

Well after trading in my 2008 CPO Sierra because of the unfixable issue of it randomly loosing power, I upgraded to a 2012 Sierra.

After I got the truck they had to replace the rear windows because someone attached the key boxes to aggressively and put scratches in both of them.

I also had to have the high mount light replaced because someone over tightened the screw and cracked the housing.

So just for the heck of it I drove the truck up on to a platform to see how the under carriage was looking and low and behold the rack is leaking power steering fluid.

I am hoping that I am just getting really unlucky here and that my BRAND NEW GMC product will work as it should someday.

DaveH71 · May 21, 2012

Its not a leak. There are several threads on this already. I had my 2011 back to the dealer for the same thing. There is a TSB on it, basically during installation at the factory they used power steering fluid to lube the threads of that adjuster plug you see the leak coming from. The fluid is just leaking out of the threads and will stop eventually, just keep wiping it down. Try to keep it off the frame because it will eventually wear away the frame coating.

scott26 · May 21, 2012

Okay I'll give it a wipe down and see if it returns.

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Daryl LBZ · May 23, 2012

Its not a leak. There are several threads on this already. I had my 2011 back to the dealer for the same thing. There is a TSB on it, basically during installation at the factory they used power steering fluid to lube the threads of that adjuster plug you see the leak coming from. The fluid is just leaking out of the threads and will stop eventually, just keep wiping it down. Try to keep it off the frame because it will eventually wear away the frame coating.

My 2009 did this, and the dealer said there was nothing wrong with the steering rack. This must have been the problem.

Chris · May 23, 2012

So Scott meet you at motor city in the am lol

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Sir Dan · May 24, 2012

My 08 did the same thing...twice. Dealer replace the entire rack...twice under warranty. Not a single drip from this one.

jdelrizzle · May 24, 2012

My brand new 2011 was doing the same thing, isn't it crazy how some dealers say its not a leak and others replace the the whole steering rack. Although from what I can see on your picture it looks like the fluid is leaking on to the frame mine wasn't doing that, looks like a bit to much only once did mine form a tiny drop.

Daveh71 adjustment plug, what exactly is that plug for, reason I ask is because some body gave me some advice on getting that leak fixed easily and by myself, I cut a 12mm hex key about 1/2 long and it fit perfectly in the plug, then I tightened it with a 12mm wrench it worked no more leakage or moisture around the plug, steer rack, etc, everything else is good to go!

P.s. reason I cut the hex 1/2 long is because there is no way a normal hex, wrench, or anything will fit between the steering rack and the sub frame.

scott26 · June 25, 2012

So Scott meet you at motor city in the am lol

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I should get a frequent visit perk or something it seems like I am there every other week.

My 08 did the same thing...twice. Dealer replace the entire rack...twice under warranty. Not a single drip from this one.

Well I brought it to them showed them the pictures, and told them I don't want them to wipe it off again and give it back since I already did. In the end they wiped the area off, and put dye in the PS system so they can figure out where it is coming from.

On a side note, I treat this truck great and I expect everything on it to be as it was new. So when the PS fluid leaks onto the frame a removes the rubber undercoat I personally would reapply the undercoat and make it new again right? So I ask if they put it on (after they tell me it is ready to go) and now they didn't. Kind of makes me mad I expect more from GM, it is the little things that matter most. Not only that they didn't have any in stock!? 3 days out.

My brand new 2011 was doing the same thing, isn't it crazy how some dealers say its not a leak and others replace the the whole steering rack. Although from what I can see on your picture it looks like the fluid is leaking on to the frame mine wasn't doing that, looks like a bit to much only once did mine form a tiny drop.

Daveh71 adjustment plug, what exactly is that plug for, reason I ask is because some body gave me some advice on getting that leak fixed easily and by myself, I cut a 12mm hex key about 1/2 long and it fit perfectly in the plug, then I tightened it with a 12mm wrench it worked no more leakage or moisture around the plug, steer rack, etc, everything else is good to go!

P.s. reason I cut the hex 1/2 long is because there is no way a normal hex, wrench, or anything will fit between the steering rack and the sub frame.

Well after this thing starts to leak again, I want it replaced or fixed to new standards.

GMCustomerService · June 25, 2012

Please keep me posted on your progress. If you find that you need more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

Robert1 · June 25, 2012

Let's hope that if the dealer decides to replace the unit that the new one doesn't have the same leak. Looks like yours is leaking from the forward plug that jdrizzle mentioned. Granted it's under warranty but some things are left better done by oneself.I had a 2011 that leaked in the same area when new. I simply tightened up the hex drive plug and .....end of story.That whole resdidual fluid left behind from assembly is a blatant line of BS.In all but a few cases it's the freakin' plug that's leaking.It ain't tight enough and GM didn't put any thread sealant on it before installing.This issue has been around for more than five years. You'd think they could get it right by now.

jdelrizzle · June 26, 2012

Well actually mine is still leaking, ima tighten it down a little more and check back in a week, if it's still leaking

Ima take in to the dealer, I really dont have time as it is my daily driver and my only vehicle.

Robert1 · June 26, 2012

Did your leak at least slow down from what it was jdel where you are certain that the plug was/is the source?

jdelrizzle · June 26, 2012

Yea it slowed down, never really notice the ps reservoir go down at all, I'm about 90% sure the plug is leaking I did a pretty thorough inspection and there only seems to be fluid on the plug no where else,.

Robert1 · June 26, 2012

10-4 jdel. Hope you get her fixed. Nothing worse that a pesky oil or fluid leak.....especially on a new ride.

Chris · June 27, 2012

So Scott meet you at motor city in the am lol

Sent from my DROID X2 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

I should get a frequent visit perk or something it seems like I am there every other week.

My 08 did the same thing...twice. Dealer replace the entire rack...twice under warranty. Not a single drip from this one.

Well I brought it to them showed them the pictures, and told them I don't want them to wipe it off again and give it back since I already did. In the end they wiped the area off, and put dye in the PS system so they can figure out where it is coming from.

On a side note, I treat this truck great and I expect everything on it to be as it was new. So when the PS fluid leaks onto the frame a removes the rubber undercoat I personally would reapply the undercoat and make it new again right? So I ask if they put it on (after they tell me it is ready to go) and now they didn't. Kind of makes me mad I expect more from GM, it is the little things that matter most. Not only that they didn't have any in stock!? 3 days out.

My brand new 2011 was doing the same thing, isn't it crazy how some dealers say its not a leak and others replace the the whole steering rack. Although from what I can see on your picture it looks like the fluid is leaking on to the frame mine wasn't doing that, looks like a bit to much only once did mine form a tiny drop.

Daveh71 adjustment plug, what exactly is that plug for, reason I ask is because some body gave me some advice on getting that leak fixed easily and by myself, I cut a 12mm hex key about 1/2 long and it fit perfectly in the plug, then I tightened it with a 12mm wrench it worked no more leakage or moisture around the plug, steer rack, etc, everything else is good to go!

P.s. reason I cut the hex 1/2 long is because there is no way a normal hex, wrench, or anything will fit between the steering rack and the sub frame.

Well after this thing starts to leak again, I want it replaced or fixed to new standards.

I've never had my truck serviced there. I keep needing to go for the AC actuators but dont have time with school and work. How is their service dept. I bought my truck from 3Way. good thing summer here hasnt been too bad