Rear axle GMC SIERRA 2004 Owner's Guide

Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle ¯uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A ¯uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired..
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
The proper level for the 1500 Series is from 5/8 inch to
1 5/8 inch (15 mm to 40 mm) below the bottom of the ®ller
plug hole. The proper level for the 1500 HD Series,
2500 Series, 2500 HD, and 3500 Series is from 0 to
1/2 inch (0 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the ®ller plug
hole. The proper level for the 1500 and 2500 Series
vehicles with QUADRASTEERŸ (4 Wheel Steer) is from
0 to 1/4 inch (0 to 6 mm) below the ®ller plug hole. Add
only enough ¯uid to reach the proper level.
What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant to use seeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
1500 Series Shown, 2500 Series Similar
5-59

Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold In¯ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-84.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, see
Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-57.GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-57.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-57.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa's to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a
tire.
Maximum In¯ation Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be in¯ated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible in¯ation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
5-82

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P265/75R16,
LT265/75R16 or P265/70R17 size tires, don't
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there's not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle without the
properamount of clearance can cause damage
to thebrakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. Thearea damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do ®nd traction devices that will ®t,
install them on the rear tires.²
Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual wheels
and is equipped with a tire size other than
P265/75R16, LT265/75R16 or P265/70R17, use tire
chains only where legal and only when you
must. Use chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the tires of the rear axle. Don't
use chains on the tires of the front axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-94

2. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts.
Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen
the wheel nuts. Don't remove the wheel nuts yet.
Notice:If your vehicle has QUADRASTEERŸ and
you use a jack to raise the vehicle without
positioning it correctly, you could damage the
QUADRASTEERŸ system. When raising your
vehicle on a jack, avoid contact with tie rods and tie
rod boots.A. Front Location (2-Wheel Drive 1500 Series)
B. Front Location (All Other Series)
C. Rear Location (All Series)
3. Position the jack under the vehicle as shown. If the
¯at tire is on the front of the vehicle (Two-Wheel
Drive 1500 Series vehicles), position the jack under
the bracket attached to the vehicle's frame, behind
the ¯at tire. If the ¯at tire is on the front of the vehicle
(all other models), position the jack on the frame
behind the ¯at tire.
If the ¯at tire is on the rear, position the jack under
the rear axle between the spring anchor and the
shock absorber bracket.
If you have added a snow plow to the front of your
vehicle, lower the snow plow fully before raising the
vehicle.
Jacking Locations
5-102

4. Make sure the jack head is positioned so that the
rear axle is resting securely between the grooves
that are on the jack head. Turn the wheel
wrench clockwise to raise the vehicle. Raise the
vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough
room for the spare tire to ®t under the wheel well. Front Position All Other Models
Rear Position
5-104

(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts,
signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, cha®ng, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, body door hinges,
hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, tailgate hinges, tailgatelinkage,
tailgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door
hinge, locks and folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)Add ¯uid as needed. A ¯uid loss could indicate a
problem; repair as needed. Check vent hose at transfer
case for kinks and proper installation.
(h)Change automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle GVWR is over 8600 lbs. or if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
þIn heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
þIn hilly or mountainous terrain.
þWhen doing frequent trailer towing.
þUses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-33for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ®ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
6-9

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Manual
Transmission
(5±Speed
without Low
Gear, RPO
MG5)Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345349, in
Canada 10953465).
Manual
Transmission
(6±Speed)TranSyndŸ Synthetic Transmission
Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 12378515,
in Canada 88900701).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Floor Shift
LinkageLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2
Category LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Front AxleSAE 80W-90 Axle Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052271, in
Canada 10950849).
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S.
12378261, in Canada 10953455)
meeting GM Speci®cation 9986115.
Rear Axle
(Steerable)Synthetic Axle Lubricant; use only
GM Part No. U.S. 12378557, in
Canada 88901362.
Do not add
friction modi®er.
Manual
Transfer CaseDEXRONž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
6-15

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic
Transfer CaseAUTO-TRAK II Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12378508, in
Canada 10953626).
Front Axle
Propshaft
Spline or
One-Piece
Propshaft
Spline
(Two-Wheel
Drive with
Auto. Trans.)Spline Lubricant, Special Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345879, in
Canada 10953511) or lubricant
meeting requirements of
GM 9985830.
Rear Driveline
Center SplineChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Body Door
Hinge Pins,
Tailgate Hinge
and Linkage,
Folding Seats
and Fuel Door
HingeMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Tailgate Handle
Pivot Points,
Hinges, Latch
Bolt and
LinkageMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
Weatherstrip
SqueaksSynthetic Grease with Te¯on,
Superlube (GM Part No. U.S.
12371287, in Canada 10953437).
6-16

Fluid (cont.)
Windshield Washer......................................5-46
FM Stereo....................................................3-129
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding the Rear Seat....................................... 1-9
Following Distance..........................................4-92
Four-Wheel Drive....................................2-35, 5-60
Four-Wheel-Drive Light....................................3-53
Front Axle......................................................5-61
Front Axle Locking Feature...............................2-35
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Front Storage Area.........................................2-67
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-54
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-54
Fuel Information Button....................................3-58
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-68
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-126
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-126G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-54
Oil Pressure...............................................3-52
Speedometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Transmission Temperature.............................3-47
Voltmeter Gage...........................................3-42
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-5
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving................4-24
Glove Box.....................................................2-66
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-9
Headlamps....................................................5-64
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-64
7

K
Key Release Button (Manual Transmission)........2-23
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW.............................3-68
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-14
Interior.......................................................3-19
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-16
Lap Belt........................................................1-26
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-16
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System................................1-50, 1-51
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-8
Leaving Your Vehicle With
the Engine Running (Automatic
Transmission Only)......................................2-50
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR (Crew Cab)...............3-69
Light
Air Bag Off .................................................3-37
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-45
Battery Warning..........................................3-42Light (cont.)
Brake System Warning.................................3-43
Cruise Control.............................................3-53
Four-Wheel-Drive.........................................3-53
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-54
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-49
Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator................3-40
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-36
Tow/Haul Mode...........................................3-53
Traction Off................................................3-45
Up-Shift.....................................................3-43
Listening to a DVD..............................3-101, 3-115
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-57
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving..........4-23
Locking Rear Axle...........................................4-12
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13
Lock-Out Switch.............................................2-18
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door........................................................... 2-8
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-18
LOW COOLANT LEVEL..................................3-69
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-54
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-5
9