Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement 8.6. 9.5, 10.5 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.



2. Remove the rear axle fill plug.



3. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
4. Remove the rear axle housing cover (2) from the axle housing.

4.1.	Drain the oil into a suitable container.

4.2.	Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.

1. Install the rear axle housing cover (2) and a new gasket.

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.

2. Install the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).

Tighten
Tighten the rear housing cover bolts in a crosswise pattern to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

3. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.



4. Install the rear axle fill plug.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

5. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement 11 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Clean the rear axle housing cover area.



3. Remove the fill plug.
4. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts.

Place a container under the axle housing in order to retrieve the lubricant.

5. Remove the rear axle housing cover from the axle housing. Pry the rear axle housing cover loose.
6. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.
7. Remove the sealant from the axle housing.

1. Apply an approximately 3.18-6.35 mm (1/8-1/4 in) high and 3.18-6.35 mm (1/8-1/4 in) wide bead of sealant, GM P/N 12346240 (Canadian P/N 10953493) or equivalent to the rear axle housing cover.

The sealant is to be applied in the middle of the rear axle housing cover flange and on the inside of all bolt hole openings as shown.




2. Install the rear axle housing cover.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

3. Install the rear axle housing cover bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts to 47 N·m (35 lb ft) in a crosswise pattern.

Important: Allow the sealant to cure for 1 hour before filling the axle with axle lubricant.

4. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
5. Install the fill plug.

Tighten
Tighten the fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

6. Lower the vehicle.