Transmission Dipstick Tube Broken

[mboyd3]

Apparently the 2009's aren't included in the transmission dipstick tube fracture recall (#12138), which is odd since it's the same configuration.

 

My tube is cracked and wobbling around wildly in the engine compartment. I cannot see if it is actually still connected to the transmission (obstructed view), or if it broke off somewhere along the middle (which seems likely based on the recall). I haven't noticed any leaking fluid, so I'm hopeful that it's broken off somewhere "up the tube".

 

How involved is the replacement? Anybody done this on an '09 or identical? The part is relatively inexpensive, but it seems like the transmission would have to be dropped to do the replacement (more than I can handle with my "skills"). Local GM dealer said it's 5 hours of labor to replace.

 

Thanks in advance.

[newdude]

5 hours? LOL. GM was paying a 1/2 hour for the job warranty labor time.

 

The labor books to call for the transmission being lowered to replace it (it is quite tight where it is) which is why it is quoted at 5 hours. If you do it yourself, being that its broken, it will be easy to get it out. Feeding the new one in is a PITA. Feeding it from the bottom first worked easiest to me.

 

EDIT: Your Suburban has the 4 speed or 6 speed?

[mboyd3]

Yep, I noticed that 1/2 hour in the bulletin. Funny different it can be from the corporate-side down to the "shop floor".

 

I've got the 6-speed 5.4L. I made it under the truck last night and poked around. it looks like only the "bracket" broke. The tube is still seated in the transmission pretty firmly. I think I'm just going to brace the length of the tube with a few carefully placed zip-ties to keep it from flopping around and eventually popping loose from the transmission altogether.

 

It certainly looks like you could replace the stock tube without dropping the transmission, but there seems to be no way to screw the bracket in (to the firewall or body, wherever it goes) without dropping the transmission. If/when my tube does come out/break, I think I'd opt for one of those flexible ones as a replacement.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Now back to troubleshooting this stinking P2135 code and limp mode that I get every winter...