73shark

Seems like a seal would fall under the "lubricated parts" category. Be a lot cheaper for them to replace a $5 seal now than a front axle assy after it lunches itself from no lube.

Chevrolet Customer Service

booyaLTZ, you may want to check in to working with another dealership. I would check and call another GM service department in the area and ask them this question as well. I also show what you've posted in my resources as well and this should be covered under the warranty under normal circumstances. I hope this helps you. If you continue to have issues feel free to contact me.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

Rez

You have 2 options:

1. Drive the truck until the diff completely drains and seizes up. Then have it towed to the dealer and have them replace the entire diff unit.

2. Replace the seal yourself. Its not too bad if you have a big floor jack and strong arms.

I suggest option 2. Good luck.

booyaLTZ

i called the dealer back and politely asked them to double check on the problem being covered by warranty. they checked and called me back and apologized and said it WAS covered under warranty.
on my receipt (no charge of course) it showed that they replaced the axle seal and axle bearing. is that different than the wheel bearing?

Chevrolet Customer Service

I'm glad to see your dealer was able to take care of you booyaLTZ. I am unsure as to whether the axle bearing and the wheel bearing are the same of different parts. I think you should be able to pose this question to your dealership and they should be able to tell you. Also someone here may have the answer for you as well. I hope you are able to find out.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

in2pro

The bearing was probably replaced as as a normal course of action in replacing the seal... maybe the bearing was getting dry due to the seal leaking, maybe the bearing was damaged during seal removal, maybe the tech was just being pro-active...
I think the axle bearing is the same as the wheel bearing on the 4x4....