GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Axle Lubricant Change

Draining Procedure

    Object Number: 71498 Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
  3. Remove the drain plug and washer from the differential.
  4. Drain the fluid.

Filling Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 71498 Size: SH

    Important: Do not operate the vehicle at wide open throttle for a minimum of 480 km (300 miles) after refilling the differential with lubricant and friction modifier. Scoring of the ring and pinion gears may result, leading to differential noise.

  1. Install the drain plug and washer to the differential.

    2. Tighten
    Tighten the differential drain plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).


    Object Number: 71497 Size: SH
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
  3. Remove the fill plug, lubricant tag, and washer from the differential.
  4. Fill the differential with fluid:
    5. • Fill with synthetic axle lubricant GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455).
    • Add approximately 118 ml (4.0 oz) limited-slip differential lubricant additive GM P/N 1052358 (Canadian P/N 992694).
  5. Check the fluid level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
  6. Install the fill plug, lubricant tag, and washer to the differential.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the differential fill plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  7. Lower the vehicle.