GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2005 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Axle Lubricant Change

Draining Procedure

    Object Number: 1456286 Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
  3. If not equipped with a differential cooler, remove the drain plug (1) and washer (2) from the differential.

    4. Object Number: 1491407 Size: SH
  4. If equipped with a differential cooler:
    5. 4.1. Using a bent tip screwdriver, remove the quick connect fitting retaining ring (3) from the quick connect fitting (4) and discard the retaining ring.
    4.2. Remove the differential cooler inlet pipe from the differential nut.
  5. Drain the fluid.

Filling Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1456295 Size: SH

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

  1. If not equipped with a differential cooler, install the drain plug (1) and washer (2) to the differential.

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


    Object Number: 1491407 Size: SH
  2. If equipped with a differential cooler:
    3. 2.1. Install a new retaining ring.
    2.2. Connect the differential cooler pump inlet pipe (2) to the differential. A distinct snap should be heard or felt when assembling the cooler pipe to the fitting.
    2.3. To ensure the cooler line is properly installed, give the cooler pipe a gentle pull.
  3. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
  4. Remove the fill plug and washer from the differential.

    5. Important: DO NOT add any limited-slip additive (friction modifier). With DEXRON LS Gear Oil 75W-90 it is no longer required to add friction modifier. If friction modifier is added, it will cause the fluid to lose some of the friction reducing properties as well as reducing seal life.

  5. Fill the differential with axle lubricant. Refer to Lubrication Specifications.
  6. 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.
  7. Install the fill plug and washer to the differential.

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

    Important: The following service procedures are for vehicles equipped with the differential cooling system.

  8. Raise the vehicle so the wheels are about a foot off the floor. Make sure the wheels can spin freely without obstruction from the hoist or any nearby items.
  9. Start the vehicle and put the transmission in second gear. Slowly accelerate to 10 mph and hold this speed for one minute.
  10. Turn the vehicle off.
  11. Raise the vehicle.
  12. Check the fluid level in the differential. Add fluid and additive until the recommended level is reached.
  13. Lower the vehicle.