GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Chevy P12 Chassis 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Block the front wheels.
  2. Raise the vehicle and place jack stands under the frame side rails for support.
  3. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.
  4. Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
  6. Remove the hub and rotor assembly. Refer to Rear Hub and Bearing Replacement .
  7. Disconnect the hydraulic brake pipes and hoses. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  8. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  9. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the axle assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  10. Support the axle assembly with a hydraulic transmission dolly with adapters in order to properly handle the rear axle assembly.
  11. Fasten a chain over the top of the axle and to both sides of the dolly.

    12. Object Number: 247484 Size: SH
  12. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
  13. Remove the U-bolts, spring plates, and spacers from the axle assembly.
  14. Lower the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure
  1. Place the axle assembly under the vehicle.

    2. Object Number: 247484 Size: SH
  2. Align the axle assembly with the springs.
  3. Connect the spacers, spring plates, and U-bolts to the axle assembly.
  4. Raise the axle assembly.
  5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.
    6. 5.1. Firmly thread the nuts.
    5.2. Adjust the alignment of the axle assembly.
  6. Install the stabilizer shaft to the axle assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  7. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  8. Connect the hydraulic brake pipes and hoses. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  9. Install the hub and rotor assembly. Refer to Rear Hub and Bearing Replacement .
  10. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
  11. Connect the propeller shaft. Refer to Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

    12. 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.

  12. Tighten all fasteners. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
  13. Fill the axle assembly with axle lubricant to the top off plug hole level.
  14. Bleed the brake system, check brake operation and adjust if necessary. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  15. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
  16. Check axle operation.
  17. Check for fluid leaks.
  18. Road test the vehicle.