GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

DT-47544 Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan under the differential.
  3. Important: The rear axle lubricant must be completely drained to ensure the proper friction modifier fill specification.

  4. Remove the rear axle housing drain plug from the axle housing.
  5. Remove the rear axle housing fill plug from the axle housing.
  6. Remove the drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  7. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  8. Clean the area around the axle shaft seal.
  9. Important: Do not damage the aluminum screw adjuster housing. Damage to the screw adjuster can cause leaks.


    Object Number: 1290467  Size: SH
  10. Remove the axle shaft seal with a seal removal tool.

Installation Procedure

  1. Inspect the screw adjuster seal bore for nicks and burrs. Minor nicks and burrs can be removed with crocus cloth.
  2. Inspect the axle shaft seal surface for nicks and burrs. Minor nicks and burrs can be removed with crocus cloth. If damaged, replace the axle shaft.
  3. Lubricate the seal bore and the seal lip with lithium grease.

  4. Object Number: 1290517  Size: SH
  5. Install the seal using DT-47544 until the seal is fully seated in the bore.
  6. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  7. Install the drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  8. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  9. Install the drain plug.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  11. Refill the rear axle housing with 1.0 liter (1.0 qt) of Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-140 GM P/N 890211809.
  12. Using a graduated measuring cup, add 25 ml (1.0 oz) of Limited Slip Differential Friction Modifier GM P/N 89021958 to the rear axle housing.
  13. Fill the rear axle housing with the remaining 0.575 liter (0.644 qt) of Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-140 GM P/N 890211809.
  14. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the rear axle housing filler plug hole.

  15. Install the rear axle housing oil level fill plug with a new gasket and the lubricant tag into the rear axle housing.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  17. Remove the drain pan.
  18. Lower the vehicle.