GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tool Required

    • DT-48007 Spline Holder
    • J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
    • J 42155 Getrag Axle Differential Housing Lifting Tool
    • J 42173 Getrag Axle Ring Gear Holder
    • J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

    Object Number: 1456424  Size: SH

    Important: If the pinion assembly components have not been replaced, reuse the original pinion housing shims. If the pinion assembly components have been replaced, refer to Drive Pinion Shim Selection for selection of the proper size shims.

  1. Assemble the drive pinion prior to rear axle assembly. Refer to Drive Pinion Assemble .
  2. Using the J 46405 , install the oil seal into the left cover.

  3. Object Number: 1456426  Size: SH
  4. Using the J 46405 , install the oil seal into the right cover.

  5. Object Number: 1491435  Size: SH
  6. Install the pinion housing assembly (1) and the selected shim or shims (2) to the differential housing. Refer to Drive Pinion Shim Selection for shim selection.
  7. The use of M8 x 1.25 dowels or long bolts will ease in pinion housing/cage and shim installation and alignment.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1456362  Size: SH
  8. Install the pinion housing/cage bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1456356  Size: SH
  10. Install the J 42155 into the groove of the output shaft, in order to install the differential case assembly.

  11. Object Number: 1456353  Size: SH
  12. Install the C-clip into the groove of the output shaft.

  13. Object Number: 1491440  Size: SH
  14. Install the O-ring (3) to the right cover (2).
  15. Install the right cover and bolts (1).
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 732188  Size: MH
  17. Install the J 8001 onto the transmission stud. Position the tip of the dial indicator against the center of the ring gear tooth surface.

  18. Object Number: 1456432  Size: SH
  19. Install the DT-48007 into the splines of the pinion to retain the pinion in order to properly measure backlash.

  20. Object Number: 1456437  Size: SH
  21. Move the right output shaft in both directions in order to measure the gear backlash. Measure the backlash in two to three locations at the ring gear teeth while holding the pinion shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Specifications .

  22. Object Number: 1696855  Size: SH
  23. Install the rear cover (2), bolts (3), and gasket (1), or pump - some models.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and bolt/stud to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 1456307  Size: SH
  25. Remove the bolts (3) and the differential assembly (1) from the J 42173  (2).

  26. Object Number: 1654287  Size: SH
  27. Install the O-ring (4) to the left cover (3).
  28. Install the magnet (5) to the carrier.
  29. Install the oil trough (7).
  30. Install the left cover  (3) and bolts (2).
  31. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1456299  Size: SH
  32. Install the vehicle speed sensor and bolt, if equipped.
  33. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 1756580  Size: SH
  34. Install the drain plug and washer (1).
  35. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1491448  Size: SH
  36. For models equipped with a cooler, perform the following:
  37. 21.1. Install cooler (1) with cooler mounting bolts (2).

    Tighten
    Tighten the cooler mounting bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

    21.2. Install the outlet pipe (4) to cooler and pump.
    21.3. Install the inlet pipe (3) to the pump.

    Object Number: 1491451  Size: SH
  38. For models equipped with a pump and cooler, perform the following steps:
  39. 22.1. Install a new drain quick connect fitting clip (3).
    22.2. Install the inlet pipe (2) to the drain.
  40. Install the inlet pipe clamp retaining bolt (1).
  41. Tighten
    Tighten the pipe clamp retaining bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 1756585  Size: SH
  42. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
  43. Fill the differential with fluid:
  44. • Fill with synthetic axle lubricant GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455).
    • Add limited-slip differential lubricant additive GM P/N 1052358 (Canadian P/N 992694). Refer to Lubrication Specifications .
  45. Inspect 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.
  46. Install the fill plug and washer (1) to the differential.
  47. Tighten
    Tighten the differential fill plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).