Rear end noise and dealer issue
 

So yesterday I had my 2013 ZL1 in for a rear end noise and a coolant smell. So they found the coolant leak and ordered the part. They did say that there is definitely a bearing issue in the rear end but then something I have never experienced at a dealer they said that they didn't have the tool to complete the job. Has anyone experienced this? Not sure what to do because I have always brought my cars to this dealer and don't want to go anywhere else. Any suggestions? Probably like most very picky on who is working on my ZL1 which only has 5400 miles on it and at this dealer I always get the car back undamaged.

What is the rear end noise you are experiencing? No special tools, just a lengthy and repetitive fluid swap process for them to fix mine (groaning sound at low speed hard turn).

Diff noise is a known issue on the ZL1. Or at least it was in '12 and '13. So maybe not the bearing. There is a TSB out for it. It involves several fluid changes and a driving procedure between each. Tell dealer to look up PIP5097 or TSB 3331992.

It's not the clutch packs for the posi which is what that fluid swap is targeting. When I coast at 40 mph and higher it wines. I personally think it's the pinion and ring gear backlash is wrong. Because the slightest of gas petal added and the noise stops. But the dealer thinks it is a bearing in the case and I guess there are specialized tools required which they don't have to service my differential. I not sure what to do I want this fixed and if they don't have the correct tools then why not order me a new diff? Plus I I never heard of a dealership which is GM not being able to service my car.

Thanks for the replys but it doesn't make any noise when turning at low speed. It's just above 40 mph going straight and coasting.

Backlash is off, had the same problem. Replaced ring and pinion.

What did the dealer do for yours rebuild your diff or get you a new unit?

Rebuilt, I have heard of some they just replaced. Not sure why there is a difference. I had both the slow turning whine and the deceleration whine. The decel has been attributed to mostly backlash, at least on the forums here. Good luck, every dealer seems to handle differently.

Ok thanks for the information just wish I knew what special tool the dealer said that they don't have to complete the job. Guess I will just have to try another dealer close by.

special tool they need maybe the tech they don't have. they keep telling me it's the tires like sven59 said it's back lash

Yeah, i had mine done at the dealer. The master tech said that when he cracks open the diff if there is any metal he was just going to request a new diff. But mine was just the fluid. Noise had been gone since june now. But above is right, its backlash.

He also told me about a coolant leak problem. He said if the technician who does the swap botches the job, it a new engine block for you. He said they have to retap the block to install the new part. At least thats the most common zl1 coolant issue anyway. He had only done 2.

The coolant leak is fixed. it was the connector on the driver side and it was cross threaded into the block from the factory. Took the car to another dealer for the rear end and they are ordering a complete unit. Hopefully will be in tomorrow and will get the car back soon.

Thats awesome. Hope they take care of you properly and that it all works out. Its amazing how much dealers can vary in how much they will help you.

I apologize for any inconvenience this rear end noise concern may have caused, ViperVett. However, I am glad to know that you were able to locate a dealership that can service this particular concern. If you would like, we would be more than willing to provide an additional layer of support while you work with your dealer. Feel free to send us a private message along with your full contact information, VIN, and servicing dealership name if this is something of interest to you.

Kindly,

Julie C
Chevrolet Customer Care