Squeak Or Squeal Noise From Intermediate Axle Shaft Bearing (01-T-11)

SQUEAK OR SQUEAL NOISE FROM INTERMEDIATE AXLE SHAFT BEARING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SUBJECT

Squeak or Squeal Noise from Intermediate Axle Shaft Bearing (Replace Intermediate Axle Shaft Seal with New Service Part).

MODELS AFFECTED

1994-2001 Saturn S-Series Vehicles.

CONDITION

Some customers may comment about a squeak or squeal noise coming from the passenger floorboard area while driving. This noise most commonly occurs when the vehicle is being driven in cold temperatures.

CAUSE

This condition may be caused by insufficient grease in the intermediate axle shaft seal.

CORRECTION

Replace intermediate axle shaft seal and add grease.

The intermediate axle shaft seal was not previously available separately.

This bulletin provides the seal kit part number, service replacement procedure and labor codes for service on 1994-2001 S-Series vehicles.

INTERMEDIATE AXLE SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE

Tools Required: 

• J44809 - Intermediate Axle Shaft Seal Installer.
• SA9133T - Axle Seal Puller.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

1. Remove the right drive axle. (Refer to "Drive Axle Removal" procedure in the Drive Axle section of the appropriate model year S-Series Chassis Service manual.) See Fig 1 .
   Fig 2: Removing Seal

   
   NOTE: If unable to remove seal from housing with axle seal puller, it may be necessary to pry off the seal. Take care not to damage the seal housing. See Fig 2 .
2. Use the SA9133T to remove the seal from the intermediate axle shaft housing.
3. Discard the seal once removed.
4. Inspect intermediate axle shaft housing for damage. Replace as necessary.
5. Make sure intermediate axle shaft housing and seal interface area is clean.
6. Obtain replacement part kit. Refer to "PARTS REQUIREMENTS  " in this bulletin.
7. Install new seal. See Fig 3 .
   1. Place new seal on intermediate axle shaft seal installer J44809.
   2. Insert tool into axle shaft housing. Make sure to keep seal lined up with axle shaft housing bore during installation.
   3. Make sure seal is fully seated.
      Fig 3: Installing New Seal

      
      NOTE: If grease is not applied to inner lip of axle seal, seal noise or damage may occur. Use grease supplied with seal kit only, make sure to use all of it. See Fig 4 .

      Fig 4: Applying Axle Grease

      
8. Apply axle seal grease to the axle bearing and the inner lip of the axle seal.
9. Install the right drive axle. (Refer to "Drive Axle Installation" procedure in the Drive Axle section of the appropriate model year S-Series Chassis Service manual.) See Fig 5 .
   Fig 5: Installing Right Drive Axle

   

PARTS REQUIREMENTS

21013415 - Seal Kit - Frt Whl Drv Shf.