GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

SMU - Revised Output Shaft Seal Replacement Procedure

Subject:Revised Output Shaft Seal Replacement Procedure

Models:1997-2003 Chevrolet Corvette



This bulletin is being issued to revise the Output Shaft Seal Replacement procedure in the Rear Drive Axle sub-section of the Service Manual to reflect the new special tool, J 46405. Please replace the current information in the Service Manual with the following information.

The following information has been updated within SI. If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.

1997 Model Year

Tools Required

J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 71508  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the appropriate rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the appropriate drive axle. Refer to Drive Axle Replacement in Drive Axle.
  4. Important: Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces when removing the differential output shaft seal.

  5. Remove the differential output shaft seal. .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 71508  Size: SH
  1. Using the J 46405, install the differential output shaft seal.
  2. Install the drive axle. Refer to Drive Axle Replacement in Drive Axle.
  3. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Lower the vehicle.

1998-2003 Model Year

Tools Required

J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 71508  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the appropriate rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the appropriate drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  4. Important: Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces when removing the differential output shaft seal.

  5. Remove the differential output shaft seal.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 71508  Size: SH
  1. Using the J 46405, install the differential output shaft seal.
  2. Install the drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  3. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Lower the vehicle.