Removal Procedure
Caution: When servicing brake parts, do not create dust by grinding or sanding
brake pads, by cleaning brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air.
Many earlier models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers
which can become airborne if dust is created during servicing. Breathing dust
containing asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. A water dampened
cloth or water based solution should be used to remove any dust on brake parts.
Equipment is commercially available to perform this washing function. These
methods will prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
- Block the front wheels.
- Raise and support the vehicle under the frame rails. Ensure that
the vehicle rear wheels are off the floor.
- Release the parking brake.
- Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
- Remove the rear axle lubricant. Refer to
Lubricant Change
.
- Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order
to select the correct procedure:
- Remove the rear air brake lines, if equipped. Refer to
Hose and Line Replacement - Nylon and Metal Compression
.
- Remove the shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to
Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement
.
- Cage the spring brake chambers, if equipped. Refer to
Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber
.
- Remove the rear brake drum, if equipped. Refer to
Brake Drum Replacement
.
- Remove the rear hub assemblies. Refer to
Rear Hub and Bearing Replacement
.
- Remove the rear brake caliper mounting plates, if equipped.
- Remove the rear cam brake assembly, if equipped. Refer to
Rear Cam Brake Assembly Replacement
.
- Remove the wiring attached to the rear axle housing.
- Remove the rear shock
absorber from the rear shock absorber lower bracket. Refer to
Shock Absorber Replacement
in Rear Suspension.
- Remove the following rear
spring components:
- Remove the rear shock absorber lower bracket, if equipped. Refer
to
Shock Absorber Replacement
in Rear
Suspension.
- Remove the rear spring anchor plate bracket. Refer to
Leaf Spring Replacement
in Rear Suspension.
- Support the axle using a hydraulic transmission dolly with adapters
in order to properly handle the axle housing.
- Fasten a chain over the top of the housing and to both sides of
the dolly.
- Remove the rear axle housing from the suspension.
- Remove the differential carrier and do the following:
| 22.1. | Set the rear axle housing on an axle stand with the differential
carrier facing up. |
| 22.2. | Remove the following differential components: |
| 22.3. | Strike the differential carrier housing with a rubber mallet in
order to break the seal. |
| 22.4. | Lift the differential carrier from the rear axle housing. Use
a chain lift or equivalent. |
- Clean the differential carrier seal surface.
- Clean the rear brake drum or rear bake rotor, and rear brake assemblies
using Brake Parts Cleaner GM P/N 12345754 or equivalent.
- Clean the rear wheel bearings.
- Inspect the rear axle housing for the following conditions:
Installation Procedure
- Install the differential carrier. Refer to
Differential Replacement
.
| 1.1. | Lift the differential carrier and lower the carrier onto the rear
axle housing. |
| 1.2. | Use a chain lift or equivalent. |
- Support the rear axle
housing using a hydraulic transmission dolly with adapters in order to properly
handle the rear axle housing.
- Fasten a chain over the top of the rear axle housing and to both
sides of the dolly.
- Install the rear axle housing to the rear suspension.
- Install the rear spring anchor plate bracket. Refer to
Leaf Spring Replacement
in Rear Suspension.
- Install the rear shock absorber lower bracket, if equipped. Refer
to
Shock Absorber Replacement
in Rear
Suspension.
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.
- Install the following
rear spring components:
Tighten
For U-bolt nut tightening procedures, refer to
Fastener Tightening Specifications
in Rear Suspension.
- Install the wiring to the axle housing.
- Install the rear cam brake assembly, if equipped. Refer to
Rear Cam Brake Assembly Replacement
.
- Install the rear brake caliper mounting plates, if equipped.
- Install the rear hub assemblies. Refer to
Rear Hub and Bearing Replacement
.
- Install the rear brake drum, if equipped. Refer to
Brake Drum Replacement
.
- Uncage the spring brake chambers, if equipped. Refer to
Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber
.
- Install the differential lock air line, if equipped. Refer to
Hose and Line Replacement - Nylon and Metal Compression
.
- Install shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to
Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement
- Install the air brake lines, if equipped. Refer to
Hose and Line Replacement - Nylon and Metal Compression
.
- Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order
to select the correct procedure:
Important: Add 0.94 liters (1 quart) of rear axle lubricant to the
power divider of the tandem axle front unit, if equipped.
- Install the rear axle lubricant. Refer to
Lubricant Change
.
- Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
- Check for air leaks. Refer to
Air Brake System Leak Test
in Air Brakes.
- Inspect for proper brake operation.
- Remove the wheel blocks.
