Diagnostics of faults of the rear drive axle (Chevrolet Captiva 1)

General diagnostics

Visual inspection / physical control

• Inspect for aftermarket equipment that may affect vehicle performance.
• Inspect easily accessible and visible parts of the system for obvious signs of damage or conditions that may lead to malfunction.
• Check the correct lubricant level and viscosity.
• Determine the exact operating conditions under which the complaints occur. Consider factors such as speed, road conditions, ambient temperature, and other features.
• Compare the driving characteristics or sounds emitted, if any, with a known good vehicle and ensure that no attempt will be made to correct a normal condition.

Note: Do not apply the parking brake for more than 5 seconds. This may damage the RDM.

To check the engagement and operation of the rear axle, you can hang up all four wheels, start the car and select the driving position. When the rear axle and transfer case are working properly, all four wheels rotate at the same speed. When the parking brake is fully engaged, the rear wheels stop rotating. Press the gas pedal, watching the rear wheels. They will begin to rotate slightly as the drive from the engine to the drive wheels is unwound. This indicates the functioning of the all-wheel drive AWD.



The following factors may contribute to the fact that the rear axle does not work:

• Low transmission oil level
• Miniature spare tire or tires of different sizes
• Liquid overheating condition
• Rear axle assembly failure
• The transfer case assembly does not work
• Wrong type of liquid

Intermittent faults; Intermittent fault codes

Test the vehicle under the same conditions as reported by the customer to ensure that the system is operating correctly.

Noise acceptability

The gear-driven unit always produces a certain level of noise. At certain speeds or different driving conditions, such as fresh blacktop, some noise is audible and acceptable. A low level of noise does not harm the operation of the bridge and is considered normal.

List of signs of malfunction (rear drive axle)

To perform symptom diagnostics, refer to the following symptom diagnostic procedure list:

• Increased noise in driving mode
• Increased noise when coasting
• Unstable noise
• Constant noise
• Increased noise when turning
• Diagnostics of rear axle lubrication leaks

Increased noise in driving mode

Cause	Method of elimination
Verify correct transmission oil levels before performing system diagnostics.
Weak fastening of the driveshaft mounting bolts	Tighten the bolts if necessary.
Wear of the constant velocity joint of the cardan shaft	Replace the driveshaft assembly. Wear on the driveshaft constant velocity joint can cause clicking, grinding, or crunching noises.
Wear of constant velocity joints of the wheel drive axle shaft	Replace/repair the drive axle shaft if necessary. A worn drive axle shaft joint can cause clicking, rubbing or crunching noises.
Worn or damaged differential housing support bushings (side)	Replace bushings if necessary. Bushing wear can cause a thumping noise when accelerating or decelerating.
Worn or damaged differential housing support bushings (rear)	Replace bushings if necessary. Bushing wear can cause a thumping noise when accelerating or decelerating. Check the orientation of the bushing; the adjustment slots must be in the correct position.
Loose rear suspension bracket mounting bolts	If necessary, tighten the bracket mounting bolts.
Loose or damaged propeller shaft seal	Repair or replace if necessary. A loose dust shield may cause it to come into contact with the driveshaft assembly and cause scraping or rubbing noise.
Howling noise from gearbox in clutch assembly	The howling type noise increases or decreases depending on the speed of the vehicle (approximately 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph)). Check that the fluid level is correct. If necessary, repair or replace the unit.
Slamming shutters or groaning noises at low speeds or slow turns	A noise like shutters slamming or a groan when making slow, sharp turns. RDM may be contaminated due to incorrect type of liquid/water. Replace fluid; if necessary, fill and repeat the test under the same conditions.

Increased noise when coasting

Cause	Method of elimination
Verify correct transmission oil levels before performing system diagnostics.
Weak fastening of the driveshaft mounting bolts	Tighten the bolts if necessary.
Wear of the constant velocity joint of the cardan shaft.	Replace the driveshaft assembly. Wear on the driveshaft constant velocity joint can cause clicking, grinding, or crunching noises.
Wear of universal joints	Replace the driveshaft assembly if necessary. A worn universal joint can cause clicking or crunching noises.
Wear or damage to differential housing support mounting bushings (side)	Check the bushings for proper alignment and replace if necessary. Incorrect orientation or wear of the bushing may cause a thud-type noise when accelerating or decelerating.
Worn or damaged differential housing support bushings (rear)	Replace bushings if necessary. Bushing wear can cause a thud-type noise when accelerating or decelerating.
Loose rear suspension bracket mounting bolts	If necessary, tighten the bracket mounting bolts.
Loose or damaged propeller shaft seal	Repair or replace as necessary. A loose dust shield may cause it to come into contact with the driveshaft assembly, causing scraping or rubbing noise.
Bearing noise in RDM	A friction or humming noise increases or decreases depending on the vehicle's speed. Check the correct fluid level. If necessary, if the noise does not stop, repair or replace the unit.
Howling gearbox noise in RDM due to incorrect gear clearance	The howling type noise increases or decreases depending on the speed of the vehicle. Check that the fluid level is correct. If necessary, repair or replace the unit.

Unstable noise

Cause	Method of elimination
Verify correct transmission oil levels before performing system diagnostics.
Low transmission oil levels	Add fluid to the axle to the recommended level. Low levels may cause intermittent or incomplete engagement of the clutch pack.
Incorrect transmission oil	Change transmission fluid, GM Part Number: 9986115. Improper transmission fluid may cause improper clutch pack engagement or a slipping condition.
Clutch pack oil pump wear	Replace the clutch assembly.
Wear of friction discs of the clutch pack	Replace the clutch assembly.

Constant noise

Cause	Method of elimination
Verify correct transmission oil levels before performing system diagnostics.
Low transmission oil levels	A bad seal or other types of leaks can contribute to fluid levels below normal. Add transmission fluid to proper level, GM Part Number: 9986115.
Wear of the constant velocity joint or universal joint of the driveshaft	If the constant velocity joint is damaged, replace the driveshaft.
Clutch assembly bearing noise	This type of noise decreases or increases depending on the speed of the vehicle. Check that the fluid level is correct. If necessary, repair or replace the unit.
Howling gearbox noise in RDM due to incorrect gear clearance	The howling type noise increases or decreases depending on the speed of the vehicle. Check that the fluid level is correct. If necessary, repair or replace the unit.

Increased noise when turning

Cause	Method of elimination
Verify transmission fluid levels are correct before performing system diagnostics. Drive the vehicle in tight circles, both left and right. Noise complaints such as groaning, squeaking, oscillating, or pulsating may indicate a pump or clutch pack problem in the axle assembly.
Worn or loose rear axle suspension bolts	Repair or replace if necessary.
Wear of constant velocity joints of the wheel drive axle shaft	If necessary, replace the wheel drive axle shaft.
Wheel hub bearing wear	Replace wheel hub bearings if necessary.
Incorrect transmission oil	Change transmission oil, GM part number: 9986115.
Wear of the side and/or intermediate gears of the differential and wear of the crosspiece	If necessary, replace the differential cup assembly.

Diagnostics of rear axle lubrication leaks

Cause	Method of elimination
The ventilation tube assembly is clogged or damaged	Replace the ventilation tube if necessary.
Leaking filler or drain plug	Apply sealant, GM part number: 12346004 (part Number for Canada: 10953480), or equivalent to the threads of the plugs and tighten.
Inlet flange seal leak	Check the inlet flange surface for excessive wear or damage. Check the front bearing for wear and damage. Bearing wear can cause excessive travel of the clutch pack input shaft. Replace components if necessary.
Leakage of crankcase sealing surfaces	If necessary, disassemble the bridge and repeat the sealing of the sealing surfaces - only the clutch drum cover.
Worn or damaged axle shaft seals	If necessary, replace the axle shaft seals.

List of signs of malfunction (cardan shaft)

To perform symptom diagnostics, refer to the following symptom diagnostic procedure list:

• High frequency and normal vibration
• A dull thud, crackling or clicking sound
• A knocking or dull metallic sound
• The sound of scraping
• Creak
• Shaking when accelerating at low speed

High frequency and normal vibration

Cause	Method of elimination
High frequency or normal vibration occurs when the vehicle is moving at different speeds.
Bends or dents on the driveshaft	Replace the propeller shaft.
Primer coating on the cardan shaft	Clean the propeller shaft.
Wear of universal joints	Replace the driveshaft assembly because the universal joint is not serviceable.
Vibration from engine to drive wheels at 80 km/h (50 mph)	Check the cardan shaft for runout.

A dull thud, crackling or clicking sound

Cause	Method of elimination
A dull knock, crackling or clicking noise is usually heard during initial load after engaging the forward or reverse gear of the transmission.
Weak fastening of the upper and lower suspension arm bushing bolts.	Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
Poor fixing of fixed fork or bolted flange joint	Tighten the bolts and serrated nut to the specified torque.
Worn or damaged universal joint	Replace the driveshaft assembly because the universal joint is not serviceable.
Vibration from engine to drive wheels at 80 km/h (50 mph)	Check the cardan shaft for runout.

A knocking or dull metallic sound

Cause	Method of elimination
A knocking or dull metallic sound occurs when the vehicle is driven in high gear or coasting in neutral at 16 km/h (10 mph).
Worn or damaged universal joint	Replace the driveshaft assembly because the universal joint is not serviceable.

The sound of scraping

Cause	Method of elimination
The scraping sound occurs when the vehicle is moving at different speeds.
Friction of the toothed flange or central bearing.	Eliminate the interference.

Creak

Cause	Method of elimination
The creaking sound occurs when the car is moving at different speeds.
Lack of lubrication	If necessary, replace the driveshaft assembly.

Shaking when accelerating at low speed

Cause	Method of elimination
The shaking occurs when accelerating the vehicle at low speed.
Loose or missing bolts on flanges	Replace and/or tighten bolts to specified torque.
Universal joint wear	Replace the driveshaft assembly because the universal joint is not serviceable.