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 Lubricant Change .
  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 wheel hub. Rear Axle Hub, Bearing, Cup, and/or Seal Replacement .
  6. Remove the hub and rotor assembly. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement .
  7. Remove the rear axle cover housing and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  8. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  9. Remove the differential. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  10. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  11. Remove the drive pinion shaft yoke and the seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  2. Install the differential case. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  3. Adjust the side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment .
  4. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment .
  5. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
  6. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  7. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  8. Install the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Install the wheel hub. Refer to Rear Axle Hub, Bearing, Cup, and/or Seal Replacement .
  10. Install the hub/rotor assembly. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement .
  11. Install the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  12. Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change .
  13. Lower the vehicle.