For 1990-2009 cars only
Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Remove the rear axle fill plug.
- For the 7.6 inch axle and the 8.6 inch axle without a drain plug, remove the rear axle housing cover and the rear axle housing cover gasket.
- For the 8.6 inch axle with a drain plug, remove the rear axle drain plug.
- Drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
- Inspect the drain plug for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation is symptomatic of extreme wear.
- Clean the drain plug.
Installation Procedure
- For the 7.6 inch axle and the 8.6 inch axle without a drain plug, install the new rear axle housing cover gasket and the rear axle housing cover.
- Install the rear axle housing cover bolts.
- For the 8.6 inch axle with a drain plug, install the rear axle drain plug.
- Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Install the rear axle fill plug.
- Lower the vehicle.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts in a crosswise
pattern to 30 N·m (20 lb ft).
Tighten
Tighten the rear axle drain plug to 39 N·m
(29 lb ft).
Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m
(24 lb ft).
