Rear Axle Vibration, Shudder Or Chatter
This bulletin involves changing the rear axle lube to possibly address a chatter, shudder or vibration.
The customer may describe the following:A chatter, shudder, or vibration from the rear axle during turns. This may happen more as the vehicle ages, especially if the vehicle is used extensively for towing or hauling heavy loads. The cause of the concern may be due to degradation of the rear axle fluid. It is very important to follow the routine maintenance schedules on these vehicles when it comes to changing the rear axlefluid if the vehicle is used primarily for towing or hauling heavy loads. If you experience a vehicle with the above condition, please perform the proper maintenance procedures for the rear axle and replace the fluid first before replacing any hardware components.This service bulletin is only applicable to vehicles that have no history of an axle fluid replacement. If the vehicle usage includes police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing, regular axle fluid changes are required every3 years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first) per the Maintenance Schedule in the vehicle Owner's Manual.
