Axle Lubricant Change Without Differential Cooler

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
3. Position a drain pan under drain plug.
4. Remove the drain plug from the differential and drain the fluid.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




1. Install the drain plug to the differential and tighten to 39 N·m (29 lb ft) .



2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
3. Remove the fill plug from the differential.

Note: If equipped with a limited slip differential, limited slip differential lubricant additive, GM P/N 1052358 (Canadian P/N 992394) or equivalent must be added first. Refer to Lubrication Specifications . Approximately 0.23 L (7.8 oz) of residual fluid will remain in the differential.

4. Fill the differential with 75W90 synthetic axle lubricant , GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455) or equivalent. Refer to Lubrication Specifications .
5. Inspect the gear lubricant level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
6. Install the fill plug to the differential and tighten to 39 N·m (29 lb ft) .
7. Lower the vehicle.

Axle Lubricant Change With Differential Oil Cooler

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.



2. Loosen the clamp on the inlet hose.

Note: Cap or plug the inlet hose to prevent dirt or debris from entering the hose.

3. Remove the inlet hose from the inlet fitting.
4. Loosen the clamp for the outlet hose.

Note: Cap or plug the inlet hose to limit the amount of fluid leakage.

5. Remove the outlet hose from the fitting.
6. Drain the fluid from the rear axle.

1. Clean any dirt from around the fill plug.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




2. Install the outlet hose to the fitting and tighten to 3 N·m (27 lb in).
3. Remove the inlet fitting from the differential.
4. If the vehicle is equipped with a limited slip differential, add approximately 96 ml (3.25 oz) of limited slip lubricant additive to the differential. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
5. Fill the differential with lubricant. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.
6. Ensure that the gear lubricant level is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
7. Purge the air in the system by the following manner:

•	Install a Tech II or equivalent.

•	Insert the cooler inlet line into the fill plug hole in the differential.

•	Hold the hose in the fill plug hole.

•	Using the Tech 2 or suitable scan tool, command the Differential Pump Control (Climate Control Panel/Special Functions, Miscellaneous Test) command the differential cooler pump relay "ON" and run pump for 1 minute.

•	After purging the air from the system, turn the Differential Pump Control OFF.

•	Remove the differential cooler outlet hose from the differential fill plug hole.

•	Fill the differential with lubricant. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.

•	Inspect the gear lubricant level to ensure it is level with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) the opening.

8. Install the outlet hose fitting and tighten to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).
9. Install the outlet hose and clamp tighten to 3 N·m (27 lb in).
10. Remove the Tech 2 or equivalent scan tool.