GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Drain the axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  3. Remove the rear axle assembly. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  4. Remove the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  5. Remove the rear axle cover housing and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  6. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  7. Remove the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  8. Remove the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Remove the drive pinion shaft yoke and the seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
  10. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  2. Install the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  3. Install the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  4. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  5. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  6. Install the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  7. Install the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  8. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  9. Lower the vehicle.