How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Chevy Avalanche

In production since 2001, the Chevy Avalanche comes in regular or heavy duty models and is unique among pickup trucks because its rear bed is accessible from the passenger compartment through a removable rear panel. Here's how to choose the oil and fluids for all model years of the Chevy Avalanche.

Instructions

1

Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil in your Chevy Avalanche. 10W-30 is acceptable if temperatures aren't expected to fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that your oil has the API starburst logo designating it as suitable for use in gasoline engines.

2

Lubricate your front and rear axles with SAE 80W-90 axle lubricant and 75W-90 synthetic axle lubricant respectively. You can substitute other synthetics meeting GM specification 9986115 for the rear axle lubricant.

3

Refill your automatic transmission with DEXRON-III automatic transmission fluid during your regular maintenance and transmission fluid changes. You can fill the automatic transfer case with Auto-Trak II fluid.

4

Maintain your power steering system with GM power steering fluid, GM part 1052884 in the U.S.

5

Replenish your brake fluid with Delco Supreme 11 brake fluid or an equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid; for engine coolant, use only DEX-COOL coolant in a 50-50 mix with clean, drinkable water--preferably distilled.

6

Keep some Superlube multi-purpose lubricant or an equivalent on hand to lubricant hinges and pivot points in the body of your Chevy Avalanche.

7

Make sure your propshaft spline is lubricated with GM spline lubricant, part number 12345879 in the U.S., or an equivalent lubricant that meets GM requirement 9985830.