1. Inspect the rear axle housing for leaks and damage.
2. Clean the rear axle housing with steam.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Block the wheels.
5. Remove the rear axle housing drain plug. Refer to Lubricant Change .
6. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
7. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement .



8. Remove the following components from the differential carrier assembly:

Important: Do not remove the top two fasteners.

•	The washers

•

The bolts

9. Remove the top two fasteners and the differential carrier assembly.

9.1.	Support and secure the differential carrier assembly to a floor jack.

9.2.	Remove the top two fasteners.

10. Clean the axle housing and the differential carrier assembly mating surfaces.
11. Clean the axle housing bowl interior using engine degreaser GM P/N 1050436 or the equivalent. Dry the housing bowl immediately with clean rags and compressed air.
12. Inspect the axle housing for the following conditions:

•

Cracks

•	Loose studs

•

Nicks

•

Burrs

Important: 

1. Install the silicone sealer (RTV) GM P/N 1052366, or equivalent, on the rear axle housing surface.
2. Install the four temporary alignment studs, if needed.
3. Install the differential carrier 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.

Important: 

•	Ensure that the threads are clean and free of grease.

•	Apply 272 Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493, or equivalent, to the threads of each differential carrier bolt.

4. Install the following differential carrier components:

•	The washers

•

The bolts

Tighten
Tighten the differential carrier bolts to 150 N·m (111 lb ft).

5. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
6. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Axle Shaft Replacement .
7. Install the rear axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change .
8. Remove the wheel blocks.