GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2005 🢒 SSR 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  4. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 1265142 Size: SH
  5. Remove the thrust block lock bolt.

    6. Object Number: 1265143 Size: SH
  6. Remove the thrust block.
  7. Push the flange of the axle shaft in towards the differential assembly.

    8. Object Number: 1265144 Size: SH
  8. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

    9. Object Number: 788488 Size: SH

    Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the installing of the thrust block difficult.

  9. Remove the axle shaft from the axle housing.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 788488 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the axle shaft seal.
       • When installing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft once it is seated in the differential assembly. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the installing of the thrust block difficult.

  1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.
  2. Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential gear.

    3. Push the axle shaft in towards the differential assembly until the groove in the axle shaft is visible.


    Object Number: 1265144 Size: SH
  3. Install the C-lock onto the button end of the axle shaft.
  4. Pull the axle shaft flange outward in order to seat the C-lock into the differential side gear.

    5. Object Number: 1265143 Size: SH
  5. Install the thrust block.

    6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1265142 Size: SH
  6. Install the new thrust lock bolt.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the thrust block lock bolt to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).

  7. Install the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  8. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  11. Lower the vehicle.