Front diff. replacement...2001 1/2 ton Suburban

JLeosnow · April 18, 2006

Hello,

Can anyone tell me if it is normal to see oil leakage from the front diff. vent tube(assuming that this is what this rubber hose is) located on the LF side under the hood? We recently had the front diff. replaced at the dealership and I now noticed(after a 1000+ mile trip which included some gravel road driving) a bit of oil residue coming down the LF fender liner. I opened the hood to inspect and noticed a rubber tube that comes from the front diff.and runs upward to be oil/dust covered(at the end of the rubber hose) with an oily type residue. This same residue was also covering the LF suspension components(upper & lower arms). Is this a normal condition of a slightly over-filled front differential?

Thanks,

-John

ChevyTech007 · April 18, 2006

There should be a plastic vent at the end of the hose and it should be pointing straight up.

JLeosnow · April 18, 2006

There should be a plastic vent at the end of the hose and it should be pointing straight up.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ChevyTech007,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, there is a black plastic cap at the end of the hose and it was pointing upward(it may be slightly tilted from a straight up position but it is higher than the exit point of the differential).

So....is it normal to see some leakage from this vent & what would be some possible causes of this?

Thanks,

-John

ChevyTech007 · April 18, 2006

I would not be worried about it. It could be overfull. Synthetic fluid will make it run a little cooler. I found this bulletin, it applies to the rear diff but I don't see why you could not do it to the front also.

Subject: Axle Vent Hose Fluid Leak - keywords C2 C3 front hummer K2 K3 lube PIP3454A PIP3454 rear repeat tube #PIP3454A - (01/13/2006)

Models: 2003-2006 Chevrolet Silverado and Express

2003-2006 GMC Sierra and Savana

2003-2006 Hummer H2

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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:

Axle fluid leak that appears to be from the end of the axle vent hose. Most often occurs during hot ambient temperatures and/or while towing.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Installation of filter (P/N 5651682) will act as an accumulator and prevent fluid from being forced out the end of the vent tube. Install the filter vertically in either direction approximately 4 - 6" (10 - 15 cm) from the end vent cap of the hose or where convenient. Retain the filter using the supplied hose clamps and secure the filter and hose to prevent any damage.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.