Tools Required

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under the transaxle.



3. Remove the transaxle oil level/filler plug (1) from the transaxle.
4. Use a socket wrench in order to remove the transaxle drain plug (2) from the transaxle.
5. Drain the transaxle oil.
6. Install J 28712 to the differential-side and the wheel-side joints.
7. Remove the drive axle from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shaft.
8. Remove the drive axle shaft oil seal from the transaxle. Refer to Inner Joint and Seal Replacement and Outer Joint and Seal Replacement .

1. Use the following tools in order to install a new drive axle shaft oil seal (1):

The spring side of the axle shaft oil seal should face outward.

•	On the driver's side, use J 35538 and a hammer

•	On the passenger's side, use a hammer and a socket

2. Apply J 36850 to the new drive axle shaft oil seal lip.
3. Inspect the drive axle shaft surface at the location of contact between the seal and the drive axle.

The drive axle surface should meet the following conditions:

•

Smooth

•	Free of scoring

•	Free of burrs

4. Replace the drive axle if the drive axle surface is rough or scored. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shaft.
5. Remove J 28712 .



6. Apply GM P/N 12346004 or the equivalent to the threaded portion of the transaxle drain plug.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

7. Install the transaxle drain plug (2) into the transaxle.

Tighten
Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

8. Add approximately 2.4 liters (2.5 qts) of Castrol® Syntorq Transmission Fluid GM P/N 12346190, or the equivalent, into the transaxle oil level/filler plug hole.

Ensure that the oil level is even with the bottom of the transaxle oil level/filler plug hole.

9. Apply GM P/N 1236004 or the equivalent to the transaxle oil level/filler plug threads.
10. Install the transaxle oil level/filler plug (1) into the transaxle.

Tighten
Tighten the transaxle oil level/filler plug to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

11. Remove the drain pan from under the transaxle.
12. Lower the vehicle.