2000 Bravada question about changing locking rear axle oil

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captainvideo462002@yahoo.com - 14 Apr 2007 14:16 GMT

I have a 2000 Bravada that has the "hopping" problem during slow speed
turns such as parking lots, etc. The transfer case fluid has been
changed twice in 2.5 years, the last time being a year ago using the
recommended GM fluid. The hopping has gotten worse and a GM dealer
told me since I have a locking differential that I should probably
change the rear differential oil as well. The owners manual says to
only use GM axle lubricant, PN.1052271. There is no description of
what that lubricant is. They also give the same part number for the
front axle lubricant which is a standard differential and call it
"SAE 80W90 ". When I called the dealer they tell me that my book is
wrong and that I need this special SAE 75W90 oil at about 29.00 a
quart. Now if someone could please answer six questions for me /i
would be extremely grateful:
1. What is the correct oil for this axle?
2. How much do I need for a complete drain and refill?
3. Is there a drain plug on these axles or is there a plate on the
rear of the carrier that has to come off?
4. How likely is it that a rear differential oil change may cure my
problem ?
5. If this is my problem what is actually happening in the
differential to cause this?
6. How much damage typically occurs from driving a car with this type
of symptom for any length of time and what will we notice?
Thanks very much for any advice. Lenny Stein.

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Rev. Tom Wenndt - 14 Apr 2007 14:51 GMT

$29.00 a quart?? I will say this. The best axle lubricant out there is
synthetic. The most common weight for synthetic gear lube is indeed 75W90 -
it comes under familiar monikers like Mobil1 and others. It absolutely
would be 100% compatible with this (ridiculously priced) fluid, and in fact
would be a step up for it.

You should be able to pick it up from any auto parts store. And if you have
any doubts, do this - go to an auto parts store like Auto Zone, O' Reilly's
or Advance (NOT a GM parts division), and ask them about the proper fluid.
They also have all the specs, and will steer you to the right fluid (which
should include a synthetic if you want it).

Having said all of this, I have less optimism than you that a fluid change
will solve a problem like this. But it can't hurt.

Hope this helps.

Tom Wenndt

>I have a 2000 Bravada that has the "hopping" problem during slow speed
> turns such as parking lots, etc. The transfer case fluid has been
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> of symptom for any length of time and what will we notice?
> Thanks very much for any advice. Lenny Stein.

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