07-02-32-002N

File in Section:
Bulletin No.:
Service Bulletin
Date:
02 - Steering
07-02-32-002N
September, 2013
INFORMATION
Subject:
Hydraulic Power Steering System Leak – Required Diagnostic Actions
Models:
2005-2014 GM Cars and Trucks
Equipped with Hydraulic Steering
This bulletin has been revised to add the 2014 model year and to change the tool required to
remove the steering line fitting seals. Please discard Corporate Bulletin
Number 07-02-32-002M.
Condition
Some customers may comment on a fluid leak under
the front of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the
technician may find fluid leaking from the power
steering system. Please use the following information
to assist in diagnosis.
Diagnostic Information
Important: All potential leaks should be completely
cleaned and identified before attempting to repair or
replace any power steering components.
1. Start diagnosis by inspecting the fluid level in the
power steering reservoir. If the fluid level is NOT
low, a careful analysis of the condition is necessary
as it may involve a different type of fluid leak.
2. Visually inspect the components where the fluid
has accumulated.
3. Before the component is replaced, inspect fittings
and connections for proper torque.
4. Clean the area around connections, joints and
seals with engine degreaser.
5. Add fluorescent dye (such as Kent Moore
GE 28431-6) to the power steering fluid.
6. Start the vehicle and allow the power steering
system to reach normal operating temperatures.
7. Turn the steering wheel to the stops in each
direction while bumping the steering wheel against
the stops 3-4 times. This will build maximum
steering system pressure and help identify the
source of the leak if present.
Caution: DO NOT hold the steering wheel against the
stops as this will damage the power steering pump.
8. Determine the source of the leak.
Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
9. When returning the part to the Warranty Parts
Center (WPC), mark the component with the
location of the leak using a paint marker, paint or
tape to highlight the location of the leak.
10. If a repeatable leak is found, refer to the following
tables to determine the proper corrective action
needed.
Repairable Leaks
Source of Leak
Correction
Pressure feed and return
hoses/lines
Replace seals*, hose or
line set
Power steering pump
Reseal or replace pump if
necessary
Cylinder gear/rack lines
Replace O-ring seals or rack
lines
*Steering Line Fitting Seals
Some vehicles are equipped with a “duck-bill“ style seal
that is pierced by the power steering line during
installation to the gear at vehicle assembly. Vehicles
that are equipped with this type seal are:
– 2010-2014 Buick LaCrosse
– 2011-2014 Buick Regal
– 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
– 2013–2014 Cadillac XTS
– 2005-2014 Chevrolet Malibu
– 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado
– 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
– 2007-2013 GMC Sierra
– 2007-2014 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali,
Yukon Denali XL
– 2006-2010 Pontiac G6
– 2007-2009 Saturn AURA
Page 2
September, 2013
Bulletin No.: 07-02-32-002N
These seals are replaceable and any leak at the line to
gear connection on these vehicles should be first
addressed with a seal replacement. Use a J-42640
Steering Column Anti-rotation Pin (1) to remove the
seals (2) and then install the new seals by hand and
connect the power steering inlet and outlet line. This
will seat the seals into the steering gear housing.
Non- Repairable Leaks
Source of Leak
Correction
Porosity leak in the gear/
rack housing
Leak from tie rod boots
Replace steering gear/rack
Pinion seal
Repeatable leak at steering
gear adjuster plug*
1492058
See note below
*If fluid is observed at the adjuster plug during the
initial visual inspection, then refer to the following:
• Seepage at the adjuster plug may not necessarily
indicate an active leak.
• You can distinguish seepage from an active leak
by removing the left tie rod boot clamp and
inspecting for the presence of fluid at the inner
tie rod.
• If no fluid is found in the left tie rod boot, replace
the boot clamp and clean the seepage (likely
manufacturing residue) from the rack. No further
action is needed.
• If fluid is found in the left tie rod boot, replace the
gear assembly.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty please refer to the
Labor Time Guide and claim the applicable Labor
Operation for the repaired or replaced component.
Failure to return the replaced part with the location of
the leak clearly marked or if there is no evidence of dye
being used to identify the source of the leak may result
in a debit of the entire warranty claim.
3021169
Important: Only insert J-42640 just far enough in to
the duck bill seal to get behind the duck bill seal’s
steel ring. Then using the tool pry against steel ring
to remove the seal. Do not insert the tool too far
into the duck bill seal and pry against the housing
bore. Prying against the housing bore could
scratch the housing bore and require steering gear
replacement.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.
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