File in Section:

Service Bulletin

02 - Steering

Bulletin No.:

12-02-32-001A

Date:

February, 2013

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Hydraulic Power Steering Leak at Hose Connection to Steering Rack

Models:

2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade Models
2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2007-2013 GMC Sierra, Yukon Models

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013 model year and change the tool part number in
the Correction section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 12-02-32-001
(Section 02 – Steering).

Condition

Diagnostic Information

Some customers may comment on a fluid leak under
the front of the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the
technician may find fluid leaking from the power
steering hose connection at the rack.
Based on parts returned to the Warranty Parts Center
(WPC), replacement of both hose-to-rack “duckbill
type” seals has corrected the condition. Replacement
of the rack is not necessary for this issue.

Important: All potential leaks should be completely
cleaned and identified before attempting to repair or
replace any power steering components.
1. Start diagnosis by inspecting the fluid level in the
power steering reservoir. If the fluid level is NOT
low, a careful analysis of the condition is necessary
as it may involve a different type of fluid leak.
2. Visually inspect the area where the hose
connection occurs.
3. Before the next step, check the bolt securing the
hoses to the steering gear for proper torque
(12 Y or 126 lb in).
4. Clean the area around the connections, joints and
seals with engine degreaser or equivalent.
5. Add fluorescent dye (such as Kent Moore
GE 28431-6) to the power steering fluid.
6. Start the vehicle and allow the power steering
system to reach normal operating temperatures.
7. Turn the steering wheel to the stops in each
direction while bumping the steering wheel against
the stops 3-4 times. This will build maximum
steering system pressure and help identify the
source of the leak if present.
Caution: DO NOT hold the steering wheel against the
stops for more than 5 seconds as this will damage the
power steering pump.
8. Verify the source of the leak is actually the hose
connection to the power steer rack.
9. If the source of the leak is from the hose to power
steering rack connection, remove the bolt securing
the hoses and replace the seals to correct the leak.
Replacement of the power steering rack is not
necessary to correct the condition.

2760840

Copyright 2013 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

February, 2013

Correction

Bulletin No.: 12-02-32-001A

1. If not already done, remove the chip cover from the
truck frame, exposing the hose/gear connection.
2. Remove the bolt fastening the connector plate to
gear housing using an 8 mm hex socket and
ratcheting socket wrench.
3. Grasp the hose tubes, one in each hand, and pull
out from the connection, wiggling slightly as you
pull back.

2760840

2913467

4. If the seals remain in the gear housing, remove
them using the Kent Moore J-42640.
Tip: Do not utilize a screwdriver or any other sharp
ended tool to remove the seals since such a tool could
damage the housing bore.

5. Wipe the gear housing plate connection surface
clean of oil and any debris. Place the replacement
seal, P/N 26100863, in the counterbore and seat
using the J-42640. Tap into place until the seal is
firmly against the bottom of the counterbore. Do
this for both ports.

Bulletin No.: 12-02-32-001A

February, 2013

6. Grasp the hose tubes and align to the ports. Insert
the tube ends until you feel them “snug-up” in the
seals. (Note: there will be a gap between the
connection plate and the gear housing.) Do not
allow the tube ends to come back out of the
housing ports.
7. Align the connection plate bolt through the hole in
the connection plate. Insert the bolt to the gear
housing threaded hole and hand start.
8. Drive the bolt into the housing the remainder of the
way utilizing the hex socket and ratcheting wrench.
This will draw the hose tube ends into the ports
and seat the connection plate.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 12 Y (106 lb in).
9. Start the engine and exercise the steering system
several times to bring the oil to operating
temperature and inspect connection for leaks.

Page 3

10. If no leak is present, replace the chip cover and
return the vehicle to the customer.
11. If a leak presents itself, replace the hose assembly.
Do not re-use the duckbill seals.

Parts Information
Part Number

Description

26100863

SEAL, S/GR PLUG

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor
Operation

Description

Labor
Time

E9559*

Replace Steering Gear
Plug Seal

0.5 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will
not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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