GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2001 🢒 GMC C Sierra - 2WD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Housing Replacement

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 (10.50 inch, 11.50 inch axles w/o RPO RO5).
  6. Remove the hub and rotor assembly. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement (10.50 inch, 11.50 inch axles w/ RPO RO5).
  7. Remove the rear axle cover housing and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  8. Remove the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles) or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement (10.5 inch, 11.5 inch axles).
  10. Remove the differential. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  11. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  12. 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 brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  7. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles) or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement (10.5 inch, 11.5 inch axles).
  8. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  9. Install the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  10. Install the wheel hub. Refer to Rear Axle Hub, Bearing, Cup, and/or Seal Replacement (10.50 inch, 11.50 inch axles w/o RPO RO5).
  11. Install the hub/rotor assembly. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement (10.50 inch, 11.50 inch axles w/ RPO RO5).
  12. Install the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change .
  14. Lower the vehicle.