Campaign - Differential Ring Gear Bolt Torque: Overview
Subject:Customer Satisfaction -- Loose Rear Differential Bolt - Noise
# 07271 - (10/01/2007)
Models:
2008 Cadillac CTS
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 2008.
Condition
On certain 2008 model year Cadillac CTS vehicles, one or more ring gear bolts in the rear differential may not have been tightened to specification. If a bolt loosens and backs out, the bolt would contact the internal surfaces of the differential housing. The metal-to-metal contact would produce a metallic noise. Continued operation could result in damage to the differential housing which would be accompanied by a loud noise.
Correction
Dealers are to replace the rear differential.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2008 model year Cadillac CTS vehicles built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
IMPORTANT:
Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the GM Vehicle Inquiry System (GMVIS). Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and will be provided through the applicable system listed below. Dealers will not have a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
-- US dealers - GM DealerWorld Recall Information
-- Export dealers - sent directly to dealers
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.
Parts Information
NOTICE:
The rear differential is shipped without fluid. To avoid part damage, add the required amount of fluid to the rear differential. Refer to Lubrication Specifications in SI for fluid information. Remove the mass dampener from the old rear differential and install it on the rear differential.
Parts required for this program are to be obtained from General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts. Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Service Procedure
NOTICE:
The torque specifications below superceded the toque specifications provided in SI. Torque the following fasteners to the torque specifications below to avoid part damage.
-- Halfshaft-to-RDM Bolts: 80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
- Rear Differential Mounting Bolts: 220 NM (162 lb-ft)
NOTICE:
Align the math mounting paint dot (1) on the RDM to the propshaft as shown in the illustration to avoid a vibration condition.
1. Replace the rear differential. Refer to Differential Replacement in SI.
2. Remove the mass damper and bracket assembly.
2.1 Remove the damper bolt (1).
2.2 Remove the bracket bolt (2).
2.3 Re-install the bracket and damper onto the new axle.
2.4. Ensure proper orientation to prevent contact with the rear cradle (3).
2.5. Torque both bolts to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).
Courtesy Transportation - For US
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. GM Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
Claim Information
Submit a Product Claim with the information shown.
Customer Notification - For US
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
Customer Notification - For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the sample letter.
Dealer Program Responsibility - All
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through October 31, 2008.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Program follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service through October 31, 2008, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
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