GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2008 🢒 Colorado Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Housing Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Drain the axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  3. Remove the rear axle assembly. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  4. Remove the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  5. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  6. Remove the differential assembly. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  7. Remove the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement .
  8. Remove the drive pinion shaft yoke and the seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
  9. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  2. Install the differential assembly. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  3. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment .
  4. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment .
  5. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
  6. Install the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement .
  7. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  8. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  9. Install the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  10. Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  11. Lower the vehicle.