Rear Axle Replacement 11 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE123 B67313) at the front end of the vehicle.
4. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing. Refer to Lubricant Change .
5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:

•	Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

•	Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

6. Remove the brake line brackets.
7. Remove and support the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection In Disc Brakes.
8. Remove the hub and rotor assemblies. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement .
9. Remove the brake line junction block from the axle.
10. Remove the brake lines from the brake line hold down tabs and support the brake lines as necessary.
11. For vehicles equipped with a stabilizer shafts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Rear Suspension.
12. Remove the shock absorbers from the lower shock absorber mounts.
13. Remove the vent hose from the axle vent fitting.
14. Support the axle assembly with a hydraulic floor jack.
15. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
16. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates, and the spacers from the axle assembly.
17. Remove the axle assembly.

1. Place the axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Raise the axle into position.
3. Align the axle to the alignment studs on the springs.
4. Install the spacers, the spring plates, and the U-bolts to the axle assembly.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 253  N·m(187 lb ft).

6. Install the vent hose to the axle vent fitting.
7. Install the shock absorbers, bolts, and nuts to the lower shock absorber mounts.

Tighten
Tighten the lower shock absorber bolts to 70 N·m(52 lb ft).

8. Install the hub and rotor assemblies. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement in Hub and Rotor Replacement.
9. Install the brake line junction block.

Tighten
Tighten the brake line junction block bolt to 22 N·m(16 lb ft).

10. Fasten the brake lines to the axle with the hold down clips.
11. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection in Disc Brakes.
12. Install the brake line brackets to the rear brake backing plates.

Tighten
Tighten the brake line bracket bolts to 105 N·m (78 lb ft).

13. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft.

•	Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

•	Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

14. Fill the axle assembly with axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change .
15. Remove the jack stands.
16. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
17. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.