GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2001 🢒 Catera 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    2. Object Number: 218635 Size: SH
  2. Support the differential with a transmission jack (1).
  3. Disconnect the ABS sensor electrical connectors (2).

    4. Object Number: 218638 Size: SH
  4. Remove the differential support bracket bolts (1) from the differential support bracket (2).

    5. Object Number: 218642 Size: SH
  5. Remove the rear differential bushing bolts (1).

    6. Important: The differential may be lowered 100-125 mm (4-5 in) without the removal of the drive axles or the propeller shaft from the differential. This provides sufficient clearance to remove the rear axle housing cover.

  6. Lower the differential slightly.
  7. Place a drain pan under the differential.

    8. Object Number: 218644 Size: SH
  8. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

    9. Object Number: 218648 Size: SH
  9. Remove the rear axle housing cover from the differential.
  10. Clean the sealing surfaces on the differential.
  11. Clean the sealing surfaces on the rear axle housing cover.
  12. Remove the ABS sensor bolts from the cover.
  13. Remove the ABS sensors from the cover.

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the ABS sensors to the cover.

    2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the ABS sensor bolts to the cover.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the ABS sensor bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  3. Coat the differential sealing surfaces uniformly with sealant, GM P/N 12346141 or equivalent.

    4. Object Number: 218648 Size: SH
  4. Install the rear axle housing cover to the differential.

    5. Object Number: 218644 Size: SH
  5. Install the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts (1) to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  6. Raise the differential into place.

    7. Object Number: 218638 Size: SH
  7. Install the differential support bracket bolts (1).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the differential support bracket bolts to 90 N·m (66 lb ft) + 38 degrees.


    Object Number: 218642 Size: SH
  8. Install the rear differential bushing bolts (1).

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the rear differential bushing bolts (1) to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 218635 Size: SH
  9. Connect the ABS sensor connectors (2).
  10. Remove the transmission jack (1).
  11. Refill the differential with proper lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Level Check .
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Inspect the vehicle for leaks.