Drivetrain binding ...

[tjpops]

Ok guys, need your help again! Just got my car back with rebuilt transmission on Thursday. Driving in a parking lot today, I noticed when making a slow left turn some kind of binding as I turned. Can make it happen at will with left or right fairly tight turns. I think this may be rear axle binding as described in TSB 16-58-94 Item 4:

4. Transfer Clutch Driven Plates (Metal) and Seal Rings - Refer to Figure 4
Modified Clutch Driven Plates (P/N 31589AA041) were installed to reduce rear axle binding starting with transmission number 389607. Additionally, new style Oil Seals (P/N 31377AA131) have been installed on the transfer clutch output shaft. These updated seals are black in color with a "notched" design on their inner diameter and are cut diagonally on the ends. The purpose for the change was to reduce the chance of these seals rotating in their grooves and cutting into the rear extension housing.

If you experience a case of rear axle binding on turns, with a transmission that has the updated transfer clutch driven plates, it is recommended that you install another set of the updated driven plates. After installing these new driven plates, it will be necessary to drive the vehicle in several figure 8's to break them in. As always, the first thing to check when diagnosing an AWD binding complaint is tire size. All tires must be of the same size and brand name.


Any one else had this experience? Is it true as the bulletin suggests, I need to drive in figure 8's to break in clutch plates? I don't actually understand how the two are related. Thanks as usual for any help!