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Fluids questions for a new user

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Old February 22nd, 2012, 6:04 AM
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Default Fluids questions for a new user

Hello,

New member here. I have looked and looked for the answers to my questions, but I can't find them. So, please be gentle if these have been answered.

My wife has a 2009 4x4 Tahoe. It has the towing package and the auto trans that allows for the "manual" shifting (6-speed?). The car just passed 60k miles.

Unfortunately, there is a fluid leak from the rear differential, so I figured it a good time to change out the fluid and replace the gasket on the cover. Do I use standard Mobil 1 GL-5 75w-90 gear oil or do I have to buy the "grape juice?" What is the capacity and is the gasket a dealer only item? AutoZone showed no listing for either differential.

I figured this a good time to change the front diff fluid also. Same fluid and what capacity? Since the front is not leaking, any chance it has a drain plug so I don't have to pull the cover?

I also figured I would change the tranny and transfer case fluid. I realize that the tranny will take about 6.5 quarts of Dextron VI, while the transfer case another 3 quarts or so. However, Autozone showed two different tranny/filter combinations? The guy described them as "shallow" and "deep" pan filters . . .

Thanks for the help. I have done this work on other cars, but first I've tried with this beast!
Old February 22nd, 2012, 7:39 AM
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Owners manual should tell you the info your looking for.


http://www.chevrolet.com/assets/pdf/...hoe_owners.pdf
Old February 22nd, 2012, 8:21 AM
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cidsamuth Welcome to the fourm

The users manual will provide the info you need...
The rear diff gasket should be pretty generic but even getting it from the dealer should not be very costly and you'll know your getting the exact right one ( bring your VIN in with you)

I would question why you would want to service the tranny so soon particularly if you don't do a lot of off-roading or towing.... you should be good for 100k miles...

As for the fluids, I would use the synthetics but also check to see which cases will need additives in addition to the fluids...
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2009 capacities.pdf (21.2 KB, 2081 views)

Last edited by in2pro; February 22nd, 2012 at 8:25 AM. Reason: attached capacities for 2009
Old February 22nd, 2012, 8:37 AM
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Default 2009 Tahoe fluid capacity

I just noticed that the capacities I posted was for the Truck and not the Tahoe or Burb... they are the same but here is the list for the T and S.... to avoid any semantics
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Last edited by in2pro; February 22nd, 2012 at 8:40 AM.
Old February 22nd, 2012, 1:49 PM
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Okay, so I had read the manual, which was semi-helpful. Combined with the capacities spreadsheet that in2pro posted, this should answer most of my questions. However, in2pro, is the sheet you posted for 2WD only? It says 2WD at the top, but I can't tell if that's only meant to be a link to another PDF.

Also, my one quesiton still stands -- is Mobil 1 sufficient for the axles, or is there an additive that's in the dealer lubricants?
Old February 22nd, 2012, 3:13 PM
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Ummm how many 2wd trucks and SUV's have a transfer case or front axle...?



2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 4WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1708491
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
Application
Type of Material
GM Part Number

United States
Canada

Drain Plug
Pipe Sealant
12346004
10953480

Fill Plug
Pipe Sealant
12346004
10953480

Front Output Shaft Cup Plug
Threadlocker
12345382
10953489

Rear Case Half to Front Case Half
RTV Sealant
12345739
10953541

Transfer Case Fluid
DEXRON®VI
88861003
88861004

Vent
Pipe Sealant
12346004
10953480


Service Information
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe - 4WD | Avalanche, Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 662906
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
Application
Type of Material
GM Part Number
Canadian Part Number

Differential Carrier Assembly Case Mating Surfaces
Sealant
GM P/N 1052942
Canadian P/N 10953466 or equivalent

Electric Motor Actuator
Sealant
GM P/N 12346004 or equivalent
Canadian P/N 10953480 or equivalent

Front Drive Axle (8.25" S4WD Axle)
Lubricant
GM P/N 89021671 or SAE 80W-90 GL5
Canadian P/N 10950849 or SAE 80W-90 GL5

Front Drive Axle (8.25" F4WD Axle )
Lubricant
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant GM P/N 89021677 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant Canadian P/N 89021678 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115

Front Drive Axle (9.25" Axle )
Lubricant
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant GM P/N 89021677 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant Canadian P/N 89021678 or equivalent meeting GM Specification 9986115

Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Housing to Differential Carrier Assembly
Sealant
GM P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466) or equivalent
Canadian P/N 10953466 or equivalent

Pinion Yoke Splines
Sealant
GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent
Canadian P/N 10953480 or equivalent
Old February 22nd, 2012, 5:30 PM
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Touche. Be easy . . . I drive a Mustang and haven't worked on a 4x4 in years
Old February 22nd, 2012, 5:58 PM
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Not a problem do report back on what you end up using and how it goes...
You might just save someone else some troubles...
Old February 22nd, 2012, 6:18 PM
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Where's the rear diff leaking?
Old February 22nd, 2012, 7:15 PM
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Originally Posted by 73shark
Where's the rear diff leaking?
Onto the garage floor.

Just kidding. I haven't looked at it close, but I made the assumption it was around the seal. We have a 'laser guide' in the garage to help my wife park in the exact same spot each time, and it always leaves an oil spot about the size of a quarter directly under the "pumpkin."


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