GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 44394 Seal Protector

Removal Procedure

    Important: The intermediate wheel drive shaft and the differential are to be installed and removed as a assembly.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Lower the front frame assembly. Refer to Front Frame Replacement .
  3. Remove front propeller shaft from the differential and position out of the way. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  4. Remove the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side .
  5. Remove the left front wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side .
  6. Remove the intermediate wheel drive shaft support bearing. Refer to Front Drive Axle Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 859584  Size: SH
  8. Position a transmission jack beneath the differential.
  9. Firmly secure the differential to the transmission jack.
  10. Remove the front differential to oil pan mounting bolts.
  11. Disengaging the intermediate wheel drive shaft and the front differential from the oil pan.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 859584  Size: SH

    Important: The intermediate wheel drive shaft and the differential are to be installed removed as a assembly.

    Important: In order to prevent lubricant leaks, use care when installing the wheel drive shaft to the differential. Do not damage the oil seal. Replace the oil seal if it becomes nicked, distorted, or is otherwise damaged.

  1. Position the differential on a transmission jack.
  2. Firmly secure the differential to the transmission jack.
  3. With the differential firmly attached to the jack, install the intermediate wheel drive shaft and the front differential to the oil pan.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the front differential to oil pan mounting bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the front differential to oil pan mounting bolts in sequence to (1-3) to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  7. Remove the transmission jack from the differential.
  8. Install the intermediate wheel drive shaft support bearing. Refer to Front Drive Axle Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly Replacement .
  9. Carefully install the left wheel drive shaft to the intermediate wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side .
  10. Install the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side .
  11. Install the front propeller shaft to the differential. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  12. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .
  13. Install the front frame assembly. Refer to Front Frame Replacement .
  14. Lower the vehicle.