2004 Yukon 4L60

[Tsmith967]

Good evening. I have a 2004 Yukon and while trying to figure out a rear end shake I noticed my output shaft seal is leaking. It has 290k miles on the original trans, (shocking I know), and shifts perfectly. Question I have is I know ill lose fluid. Since I am not having any issues should I drop the pan and do the filter or leave it as is and just top off? I have several jugs of Valvoline Maxlife ATF I can use for the top off or service depending on the advice here.

 

[JavierH19]

If you did a fluid change recently i guess just top it off until you get it fixed. I have 339k on my 05 yukon and it still shifts fine.

 

[Tsmith967]

If you did a fluid change recently i guess just top it off until you get it fixed. I have 339k on my 05 yukon and it still shifts fine.

As far as im aware it has never been changed.....

 

[b_b]

if the fluid is black, leave it alone. those were known to shift bad after a fluid change if the fluid hasn't been serviced regularly.

 

[Tsmith967]

if the fluid is black, leave it alone. those were known to shift bad after a fluid change if the fluid hasn't been serviced regularly.

Not black. Standard amber color.

 

[BrendanC]

i would drop the pan and change the filter. fill with maxlife and some lubeguard

 

[Tsmith967]

i would drop the pan and change the filter. fill with maxlife and some lubeguard

Ordering filter and lubeguard now with the seal. Shouldnt hurt if it doesnt have any issue now right? Only worrying because when I was at the dealer we turned them all away if it wasnt done before 100k

 

[BrendanC]

Ordering filter and lubeguard now with the seal. Shouldnt hurt if it doesnt have any issue now right? Only worrying because when I was at the dealer we turned them all away if it wasnt done before 100k

i wouldn’t worry about it. 290k miles is amazing out of a 4lslippy. new maxlife and lubeguard should make it live to a happy end.

 

[Furious]

Ordering filter and lubeguard now with the seal. Shouldnt hurt if it doesnt have any issue now right? Only worrying because when I was at the dealer we turned them all away if it wasnt done before 100k

There is a risk both ways but considering the fluid is not burnt and still has red to it and assuming you do not have any shifting issues/slipping the chances of success are higher.

New fluid doesn't magically destroy a transmission, if the transmission fails and starts slipping after servicing it was already junk you just had clutch pack material suspended in the fluid that was previously preventing slipping if a failure occurs after servicing.

 

[Tsmith967]

There is a risk both ways but considering the fluid is not burnt and still has red to it and assuming you do not have any shifting issues/slipping the chances of success are higher.

New fluid doesn't magically destroy a transmission, if the transmission fails and starts slipping after servicing it was already junk you just had clutch pack material suspended in the fluid that was previously preventing slipping if a failure occurs after servicing.

Fair enough. Parts are ordered. Won’t be able to do it for a few weeks though. Gotta love traveling.

 

[JavierH19]

Fair enough. Parts are ordered. Won’t be able to do it for a few weeks though. Gotta love traveling.

I've used 1-2 quarts atf type f in GM 4 speeds to tighten up the shifting. It's known to be a "grabby" fluid. I suppose Maxlife can be used but older dexos/mercon fluid is quite common at Walmart.

 

[Tsmith967]

I've used 1-2 quarts atf type f in GM 4 speeds to tighten up the shifting. It's known to be a "grabby" fluid. I suppose Maxlife can be used but older dexos/mercon fluid is quite common at Walmart.

I have 6 gallon jugs of max life left. I do my wife’s edge on a drain and fill every 30k.