Aztek Fan Club

[ngkline]

I posted on this forum back in Feb 2005 with 28K on the tek.  The dealer changed the fluid and it fixed the problem.  It now has 55K and is groaning again.  Does anyone have any experience with going back with a vehicle now out of warranty?  Do they consider it a continuation of the problem when it was in warranty or am I out of luck?
Thanks,

[JAztek]

I'm beginning to believe that the fluid needs to be changed every ~20,000 or more miles or when it groans.  Maybe that could resolve your AWD's current groaning again for another 25-30,000 miles, ng.

My husband was headed somewhere on a Sat. morning and happened to listen to Click & Clack on NPR. 
A caller complained that her AWD was groaning, and they said, "change your fluid whenever it starts making noises."  Simple as that.

I have no idea if that's the case or not.  Does that sound reasonable?

Mine however is a grinding noise, not a groan, and changing the fluid plus aligning the wheels quieted the grinding noise and made it happen less often.

[ngkline]

I took it in to the dealer today.  They said that they will change the flluid again (per the factory TSB) and if that doesn't fix it they will replace the RDM with only a $100 deductible cost to me.  Will let you know how that turns out after my appt. next tuesday.

[97drexelgrad]

I took it in to the dealer today.  They said that they will change the flluid again (per the factory TSB) and if that doesn't fix it they will replace the RDM with only a $100 deductible cost to me.  Will let you know how that turns out after my appt. next tuesday.

sounds like you have a decent dealership- hope things go well for you.

[qstick777]

Ngkline -  Nice to hear that your dealership is taking care of you.  Strangely my Pontiac dealership doesn't seem to be familiar with the dreaded Versatrak/RDM groan.


My Royal Purple Synchromax finally arrived on Friday.  I went ahead and did the drain and re-fill of the RDM on Saturday.  The "Versatrak" fluid smelled really bad.  It was also a dark honey color - slightly darker than fresh motor oil.  I was not able to get a full 2 qts out of the system - may have been the problem to begin with.  I also had a difficult time getting a full 2 qts back into the system.....not sure how much spilled out, but it would not take the full 2 qts.  Also, checked the fluid level on Sunday and actually had more fluid drain out.....nothing substantial, but I'm guessing if it came out, then I don't need to add anymore.


As of yet (approx 50 miles) the sound is still there.

I also did a smell test of the various fluids while I was at Walmart - closest match was the synthetic gear oil.  Of course, now I am a little worried about using a synthetic fluid recommended for transmissions.  I figure best case the sound will go away.  Worse case, the sound will continue and I may need a new RDM.  Either way, I can always drain the RDM and use the "Versatrak" Fluid.

For anybody considering doing the job themselves, the drain/fill plugs are 8mm Hex.  Broke the 1/4" 8mm I had, so another $40 for a new set of hex wrenches and 3/8" sockets and I was back in business.

[ngkline]

Well, I just got back from the dealer and here's how it went.  (Current mileage 55,379, fluid previously changed under warranty in 2005 at 28,616) They changed the fluid, actually changing it twice, once for a flush, then again, using a total of 8 bottles of Versatrak fluid.  They charged me a $100 deductible and said to drive it and see how it is.  If the noise returns, bring it back and they will replace the RDM for the deductible already paid.  I'd say that's a real fair deal as I was going to do the change myself which would've cost me $85 to buy just 4 bottles online, plus the aggravation of changing it myself, not to mention that then it wouldn't have been recorded in the GM book of history! 
I've just driven it the 10 miles or so home, but so far the noise seems to be gone.
I'll be making a 3000 mile round trip from FL to NY next month, so I'll keep you posted as to what happens.
Thanks to all for your input and responses.

[ungoliant13]

that is a pretty fair deal.  sounds good.

[qstick777]

Just giving on update on my experience with Royal Purple synchromax.

It took close to 1000 miles before the groan went away - possibly less (my wife usually drives it and doesn't really pay attention to noises and such).

I drove it one day and just noticed that the sound was gone, so it was a nice surprise. 

I've now probably got 10k miles since the drain and re-fill, and the sound is now back.  It only happens when the vehicle is cold.  After it warms up, the sound is nowhere to be found -----   that is the complete opposite of how the sound was before!

I just drove it up to the Upper Peninsula and didn't have any problems.  I haven't noticed any performance issues since using the RP product.  (note: saw 76 Azteks during the trip.....mostly in Ohio and Michigan.   Couldn't even begin to count the number of Rendevous!)

I'm getting close to 60k, so I'll probably take it to the dealer and have them do a proper RDM service (flush and fill) along with whatever the recommended 60k service is.

[JAztek]

Guess I'll post an update too.

It took ~300 or more miles for my grind to disappear completely, but at the same time, the rain quit and the weather warmed up a lot; so maybe that could have had some effect as well.

I'll be listening for any return of noise as the weather changes into fall. 
Otherwise, so far so good.

[Rhino]

Just had my Versatrak groaning problem fixed again (4th time).  A year and 1,000 miles off warranty, this dealership took care of it "on the house".  They first tried draining and refilling the AWD fluids (cost of $300) but that didn't work.  They ended up ordering and installing a new rear differential (over $3,000 from what they told me).  I didn't get charged for anything; now that's customer service at its best.  So far, no more groaning noise.  Hopefully it never returns.

[mjalloye]

Just had my Versatrak groaning problem fixed again (4th time).  A year and 1,000 miles off warranty, this dealership took care of it "on the house".  They first tried draining and refilling the AWD fluids (cost of $300) but that didn't work.  They ended up ordering and installing a new rear differential (over $3,000 from what they told me).  I didn't get charged for anything; now that's customer service at its best.  So far, no more groaning noise.  Hopefully it never returns.

Has anyone ever tried any "Lucas Gear Oil Stabilizer" product???

[mjalloye]

Just had my Versatrak groaning problem fixed again (4th time).  A year and 1,000 miles off warranty, this dealership took care of it "on the house".  They first tried draining and refilling the AWD fluids (cost of $300) but that didn't work.  They ended up ordering and installing a new rear differential (over $3,000 from what they told me).  I didn't get charged for anything; now that's customer service at its best.  So far, no more groaning noise.  Hopefully it never returns.

Has anyone ever tried any "Lucas Gear Oil Stabilizer" product???

We bought ours 4 days ago and are looking at options for that "grinding" sound.  We loved it on the test drive, but when we left the dealership ( at 4:55) it started grinding in the corners once it warmed up... WHAT TO DO??

[97drexelgrad]

I personally would contact the selling dealership.  Let them know that there is a sound and they should check it out for you. 

[Display_Name]

I took a few pictures to show off the rear drive and the transfer case, I thought they might be useful for people.


Rear Drive


____________

Transfer Case

[Aztek-Knight]

Great photos, Display_Name. Thanks! And WELCOME to the club!