Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement 8.6 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .



2. Remove the rear axle fill plug.



3. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1). Discard the rear axle housing cover bolts.
4. Carefully remove the rear axle housing cover (2) and drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
5. Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.
6. Inspect the bottom of the rear axle housing for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation is an indication of extreme wear.

1. Install a new gasket and the rear axle housing cover (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Important: Do not reuse the rear axle housing cover bolts.

2. Install the new rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

3. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .



4. Install the rear axle fill plug.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

5. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement 9.75, 10.5 and 10.75 Inch Axles

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.



2. Remove the fill plug.
3. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts.

Discard the bolts.

4. Remove the rear axle housing cover.

Drain the lubricant into a suitable container.

5. Remove the sealant from the rear axle housing and the rear axle housing cover.

1. Apply an approximately 3.18-6.35 mm (1/8-1/4 in) high and 3.18-6.35 mm (1/8-1/4 in) wide bead of sealant, GM P/N 12346240 (Canadian P/N 10953493) or equivalent, to the rear axle housing cover.

The sealant is to be applied in the middle of the rear axle housing cover flange and on the inside of all bolt hole openings as shown.




2. Install the rear axle housing cover.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Install the new rear axle housing cover bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).

Important: Allow the sealant to cure for one hour before filling the axle with axle lubricant.

4. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
5. Install rear axle fill plug.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

6. Lower the vehicle.