GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1999 🢒 GMC K Sierra - 4WD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 348393 Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Drain the axle lubricant from the rear axle. Refer to Lubricant Change .
  3. Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Disconnect the parking brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement in Parking Brake.
  6. Remove the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  7. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  8. Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
  9. Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.
  10. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers form the axle assembly.
  11. Lower the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 348393 Size: SH
  1. Place the rear axle assembly under the vehicle.
  2. Align the rear axle assembly with the springs.
  3. Connect the spacers, the spring plates and the U-bolts to the rear axle.
  4. Raise the rear axle assembly into position.

    5. 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.

  5. Install the washers and the nuts to the U-bolts.

    6. Tighten

        • Tighten the nuts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).
        • Tighten the nuts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).
  6. Install the vent hose to the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
  7. Connect the shock absorbers to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  8. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Connect the parking brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement in Parking Brake.
  10. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Connect the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  12. Fill the rear axle to the following levels. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
    13. • 8.6 inch ring gear rear axles 15-40mm (0.6 in-1.6 in) below the fill plug.
    • 9.5 and 10.5 inch ring gear rear axles 10 mm (0.4 in) below the fill plug.
  13. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Antilock Brake System Automated Bleed Procedure .
  14. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.