TRANSAXLE FLUID LEAK 4T60E (INSTALL NEW SIDE COVER PAN)

SUBJECT: TRANSAXLE FLUID LEAK AT SIDE COVER TO CHANNEL PLATE GASKET (INSTALL NEW SIDE-COVER PAN)

MODELS AFFECTED: 1991-1992 DE VILLES, FLEETWOODS, ELDORADOS, SEVILLES, AND ALLANTES

Some 1991-1992 DeVilles, Fleetwoods, Eldorados, and Sevilles with the Hydra-Matic 4T60-E transaxle and 1991-1992 Allantes with the THM F-7 transaxle built between Julian Date 154 (June 3,1991) and Julian Date 336 (December 2,1991) may experience a fluid leak at the side cover. Refer to Figure 1. Depending on the amount of fluid lost, a customer's vehicle may exhibit any of the following conditions:

o Delayed Engagement (verify side cover leak)

o No Drive In Drive Range

o Slips In Drive

o Intermittent Flares on Shifts

o Intermittent Loss of Drive

o Repeat Side Cover Pan Leak

IMPORTANT: If vehicle is driven with a low fluid level for an extended period of time, internal damage may occur and a complete overhaul or SRTA replacement transaxle may be required.

The side cover to channel plate gasket may be split or torn due to a raised surface or ridge on the sealing side of the pan assembly. This raised edge can apply additional pressure on the gasket and a tear may develop. a is near where "DO NOT PRY IN THIS AREA" was stamped (bolt holes #6 to #1 to #2). Refer to Figure 2.

Install a new case side cover pan which does not have the stamping "DO NOT PRY IN THIS AREA". The removal of this stamping has reduced the raised edge and improved flatness on the sealing surface of the side pan. Even though the stamping "DO NOT PRY IN THIS AREA" has been removed, it is NOT acceptable to pry in the described area to remove axle and/or seal. Refer to Figure 3.

IMPORTANT: Do not exceed the recommended torque specifications for the pan nuts and bolts. Exceeding these specifications will contribute to further gasket splitting and render any repair procedures useless.

The torque specifications for the F-7 and 4T60-E are as follows:

F-7 4T60-E Description --- ------ ----------- (53) (50) Case side cover to channel plate (nut) 8-14 N-m (6-10 lbs. ft.)

(52) (52) Screw a conical washer assembly (bolt) 9-13 N-m (7-10 lbs. ft.)

Service Parts Information:

P/N Description Models --- ----------- ------ 8680513 Pan, Case Side Cover F-7 and 4T60-E 8644902 Package, Side Cover Gasket F-7 and 4T60-E

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Service Procedure Information:

Refer to the appropriate 1991 or 1992 Service Information Manual for the proper cover and/or gasket replacement procedures.

WARRANTY INFORMATION VEHICLE SERIES -------------------- Operation -------------- Operation Description Number C D E K V --------------------- -------- ---------------------- Cover and/or Gasket, Valve Body-Replace K6540 2.4 4.0 4.0 3.1

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those 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 a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.