GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • DT-47596 Bearing Cup Remover
    • J 42168-16 Spacers
    • J 42170 Bearing and Race Installer
    • J 45124 Removal Bridge
    • J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1251943  Size: SH
  1. Remove the right rear wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  2. Remove the right rear muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Right Side .
  3. Drain the differential fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  4. Support the differential assembly.
  5. Remove the right differential mount.
  6. Remove the retaining bolts and push out the dowel pin.
  7. Remove the differential cover.

  8. Object Number: 58038  Size: SH
  9. Remove and discard the axle seal (1,4).

  10. Object Number: 1491707  Size: SH
  11. Install the DT-47596  (2) into the right cover. Tighten securely into the bearing cup.
  12. Place the J 45124  (1) over the DT-47596  (2). adjust the legs for the best fit. Install the supplied bolt, nut thrust and washer. Hold the bolt and tighten the nut to remove the bearing cup and shim.

  13. Object Number: 354444  Size: SH
  14. Mark or tag the shim for assembly.

  15. Object Number: 893553  Size: SH

    Important: Whenever service requires the replacement of the right side differential cover, the covers MUST be measured and the right shim pack adjusted to compensate for machining tolerances between the two components. Failure to perform this measurement procedure may result in improper differential bearing preload.

  16. Use a vernier caliper (2), a straight edge (1), and J 42168-16  (3) in order to measure the NEW differential cover bore dimension. Record the measurement as value A.
  17. Use a vernier caliper (2), a straight edge (1), and J 42168-16  (3) in order to measure the old differential cover bore dimension. Record the measurement as value B.
  18. Subtract value B from value A. If the computation is a positive value, add shims equal to the value, to the existing shim pack. If the computations a negative value, subtract shims equal to the value, from the existing shim pack.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 354444  Size: SH
  1. Install the selected shims (2) and the bearing race (1) to the New cover.

  2. Object Number: 1041975  Size: SH
  3. Press the shims and bearing race into the New cover using the J 42170 and a hydraulic press.

  4. Object Number: 58038  Size: SH
  5. Clean the O-ring sealing surface on the differential cover and the differential housing.
  6. Install a NEW O-ring (4) to the differential cover (3).

  7. Object Number: 1251943  Size: SH
  8. Install the differential cover.
  9. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  10. Install the dowel pin and the differential cover retaining bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining bolts to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1251661  Size: SH
  12. Install the axle seal into the differential cover using J 46405 .
  13. Fill the rear axle differential with the proper fluid and level. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  14. Install the right rear muffler. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement - Right Side .
  15. Install the right rear wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .