GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 8092 Driver Handle
    • J 22912-B Split-Plate Bearing Puller
    • J 25070 Heat Gun
    • J 45012 Pinion Flange Holder
    • J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover
    • J 45017 Seal Installer
    • J 45124 Removal Bridge
    • J 46265 Stub Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the carrier from the vehicle. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 1204941  Size: SH
  3. Remove the bolts (10) from the pinion bearing housing (3).

  4. Object Number: 1204943  Size: SH
  5. Install the J 45019 and slide hammer as shown.

  6. Object Number: 1204944  Size: SH
  7. Using the J 25070 , heat around the pinion housing in order to ease removal.

  8. Object Number: 1204945  Size: SH
  9. Remove the J 45019 from the flange.
  10. Remove the pinion housing from the differential carrier.
  11. Remove the O-ring from the housing.
  12. Remove the pinion housing shims.

  13. Object Number: 1204947  Size: SH
  14. Remove the carrier cover bolts.
  15. Using the pry tabs, remove the carrier cover.
  16. Remove the O-ring from the cover.

  17. Object Number: 1204949  Size: SH
  18. Remove the differential assembly from the carrier.

  19. Object Number: 1204950  Size: SH
  20. Remove the right output shaft seal from the cover.

  21. Object Number: 1204953  Size: SH
  22. Using a suitable tool, remove the left output shaft oil seal from the carrier.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1205605  Size: SH
  1. Using J 46265  (2) and J 8092  (1), install the left output shaft seal.

  2. Object Number: 1205609  Size: SH
  3. Install the selected shims (9) on the pinion housing (3).
  4. Install a NEW O-ring (11) in the groove on the pinion housing.
  5. Important: Inspect the bearing housing for nicks and burrs. Remove if necessary.

  6. Apply a light coat of gear lube to the bearing housing to ease installation.

  7. Object Number: 1205612  Size: SH

    Important: Inspect the carrier pinion housing bore for nicks or burrs. Remove if necessary.

  8. Apply a light coat of gear lube into the pinion housing bore of the carrier.
  9. Using J 25070 , heat the carrier.

  10. Object Number: 1205613  Size: SH
  11. Using the long bolts from J 45019 as guides, align the housing bolt holes to the carrier bolt holes.
  12. Snug the bolts.
  13. Push the housing evenly into the bore.
  14. Remove the long bolts.
  15. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1205616  Size: SH
  16. Install the pinion housing bolts.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 29 N·m (21 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1205620  Size: SH
  18. Install the differential assembly (100) into the differential carrier (1).

  19. Object Number: 1205622  Size: SH
  20. Lightly lube the outside diameter of the oil seal with axle lube.
  21. Use J 45017 to install the right output shaft oil seal (21).

  22. Object Number: 1205624  Size: SH
  23. Install a NEW carrier cover O-ring into the groove.
  24. Apply a light coat of gear lube to the O-ring area.
  25. Align the bolt holes and push cover onto the differential carrier evenly.
  26. Start the cover bolts in the holes by hand.

  27. Object Number: 1205628  Size: SH
  28. Install the cover bolts.
  29. Tighten
    Tighten the cover bolts to 29 N·m (21 lb ft) in a criss-cross pattern.


    Object Number: 1205652  Size: SH
  30. Install the drain plug.
  31. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).

  32. After the axle and half shaft is installed in the vehicle, fill the axle with differential lube GL 75W90 GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455) or equivalent. Fill to the bottom of the fill plug threads.

  33. Object Number: 1205653  Size: SH
  34. Install the fill plug (23).
  35. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).

  36. Install the carrier into the vehicle. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .