Aztek Fan Club

[Wolfpackcpl]

My 03 Tek has developed a groan in the rear end when I turn it either direction.
My mechanic is kind of at a loss. He said if the Versatrak is a limited slip, then hopefully changing the fluid will fix it.
I have seen references to rear end groaing on here, but nothing specific.
Can anyone help me find and fix the problem?

Thanks.
Wolfie

[chameleon-Kat]

Hhmm I'm kind of thinking the versa-trak system wouldn't come into play unless it is actually being used (like in slippery weather). Does it do it all the time, weather or not? Does it happen at any speed and does the sound change if it does?
Perhaps its something more suspension related.   Ray

[Wolfpackcpl]

It makes the sound any time I turn the front wheels, wet, dry whatever.
My son said it sounds terrible from outside the vehicle.

[Newfie Hauler]

I know that I posted some information on this on another thread, within the last week.  If I recall correctly, a moan noise is mentioned in the service manual and the recommendations for correcting it are replacing the fluid as one item, but I believe that they also mention something about the internal pump.  I know that the service manual has a list of symptoms that they can use to diagnose the problem.

Newfie

[andrewlcraft]

Replacing the rear diff oil is what a TSB calls for, and it fixed my 'Tek.  It kinda makes me wonder how much of a long term fix this is, though.  Sounds like it may be a good idea to change the fluids on a pretty regular basis.  We just turned over 30K, so I'm thinking I'll just change the fluid every 20K or so as preventative maintenance.

[Simple_Tek]

mine has 100,000+  and never heard a groan out of it!!!!

[Wolfpackcpl]

Mine has 38K and has been a great vehicle...so far :ph34r:  

[Newfie Hauler]

I was looking at this issue a little further last night.  It seems that the the service manual has a section on rear axle noises (for the Versatrak system).  In addition to changing the fluid, which they add may or may not solve the noise complaint, they state that it could be due to an internal failure of the pump or seals.  

One other source of noise that they mentioned could also cause a noise that might be mistaken for a rear axle problem is a rear wheel bearing failure.  If you do a quick search on the site, you will see more than one post about wheel bearing issues.  Before someone starts tearing into the rear axle, it might not be a bad idea to have them check the rear wheel bearings, because the test for wear does not involve tearing anything apart.

Newfie

[Wolfpackcpl]

Would a wheel bearing make noise in both directions?
The noise is the same, regarldless which way I turn.
Where can my mechanic find these service bulletins?
He did tell me the old positraction rear ends would "wear out" the oil and cause a groaning sound, something about the clutches not releasing properly. His first isdea was to change the oil.
There lies another problem. The owners manual said use Versatrak oil.
He called the Pontiac dealer and they didn't have a clue what he was talking about.
So, while he is deer hunting this week, we're waiting on the oil.

Why didn't I just buy another Bonneville?

[Newfie Hauler]

Yes the bearing can make a noise in both directions.  The side load being placed on the bearing is what causes it to generate noise.

Do not under any circumstances use anything other than Versatrak fluid in it.  The Owner's manual provides you with a GM part number that the dealer can use to order you replacement fluid.  That may not be a permanent fix though.  One thing to keep in mind, this is not like any conventional positraction rear axle that this mechanic may have encountered.

Regarding the bulletins.  Any GM dealership can access them and they may even be willing to make a copy for you.  I have some of them and have started a collection, however I only have a few of them at this time and unfortunately not one that covers this issue.  You can also get a subscription to them via ALLDATA.com or though Helm, Inc.  I am not sure what they charge for them.

Newfie

[Rhino]

Mine just started making that whining/grinding noise, so I took it in to have it checked out.  They told me the fluid was low and that the "engineers" told them to drain it and refill it, fresh, which they did.  

When the drove it again, the noise was still there, so they told me there was damage to the transfer case and that it needs to be replaced...

So, I'm on standby for that.

[Rhino]

Not sure if what I said made any sense.  To clarify, I have a 2003 AWD.  The groaning started a few weeks ago and I haven't had time to get it checked out until now.

It only happens on sharp turns in either direction and only going forward.

The dealership service staff seems like they know what they are doing, but I'm wonering if a replacement of transfer case will mean more problems to follow.

I'm hopng not...has anyone here had this done?  Should I look to part with it once the repair is made?  I still have 2 years of warranty.

P.S.  I still haven't figured out how to change name.  I'm an actual owner for a little more than a year now.

Aside from this issue and occasional rips from friends/co-workers, I love this vehicle.  I find it is quite aesthetic when I walk to it or look back at it when I park it, as freakishly borderline-obsessive as that may sound.

[JediSkipdogg]

If you are under warranty then I would let them fix it.  If any problems occur most likely they will occur within 1 month/1000 miles of the repair.  My thought is to always keep a vehicle until you run out of warranty, then after that keep it until you feel you have to dump a large amount of money into a single repair.

As for your name, send a message/email to Tom Moog and he can change your name for you.

[Newfie Hauler]

Potential Owner,

The transfer case on the Aztek is actually a very simple system.  It has very few moving parts, maybe 15-20 tops.  The parts are mainly gears and seals.  For peace of mind, inquire if they checked the operation of the rear axle, the extension housing and the propeller shaft tube (the other sub-systems in the Versatrak unit).  It might give you  feel for what they checked.  Personally, if they tested all of those compoenents (the test is pretty straight forwarb by the way), I should think they found the problem).  I would not be so quick to give up on it and try to trade it off.  You may find even more problems on the next vehicle you purchase.  At least this one is a "known quantity."

Newfie

[Rhino]

Actually, the service manager did tell me they checked everything...he said that the versatrak system is a bunch of components and that the transfer case was the only one that was damaged; that everything else was fine (naming the parts you mentioned & more).