GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2009 🢒 Sierra Denali 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Special Tools
    • J 2619-01 Slide Hammer W/1/2 x 13 Adapter
    • J 45859 Axle Shaft Remover/Installer

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the wheel speed sensor.
    4. • For Hybrid vehicles, refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
    • For non Hybrid vehicles (1500 series), refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
    • For non Hybrid vehicles (2500 series), refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
  4. Remove the rear brake drum, if equipped. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement.
  5. Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket, if equipped. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
  6. Remove the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement.

    7. Object Number: 156409 Size: SH
  7. Remove the and discard differential pinion gear shaft bolt.

    8. Note: For those vehicles NOT equipped with the locking differential proceed to step 8. If the vehicle is equipped WITH the locking differential, proceed to step 9 and 10.


    Object Number: 156410 Size: SH
  8. Remove the differential pinion gear shaft.

    9. Object Number: 156411 Size: SH

    Note: Rotate the differential case until the differential pinion shaft just touches the rear axle housing.

  9. Remove the differential pinion gear shaft part way from the differential case.
  10. Use a screw driver, or similar tool to rotate the lock (1) until the lock (1) aligns with the thrust block (2).

    11. Object Number: 2170564 Size: SH
  11. Push in on the rear axle shaft (2) and remove the lock (1).

    12. Object Number: 2170561 Size: SH

    Note: If the rear axle shaft is difficult to remove, proceed to step 14.

  12. Remove the rear drum brake axle shaft (2) from the rear axle assembly (1), if equipped.

    13. Object Number: 2170558 Size: SH

    Note: If the rear axle shaft is difficult to remove, proceed to step 14.

  13. Remove the rear disc brake axle shaft (1) from the rear axle assembly (2), if equipped

    14. Object Number: 885619 Size: SH
  14. Using the J 2619-01 hammer  (2) and the J 45859 remover/installer  (1), remove the rear axle shaft from the rear axle assembly.
  15. Replace the rear axle shaft seal and or bearing, if needed. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal and/or Bearing Replacement.

Installation Procedure

    Note: When installing the rear axle shaft, ensure that the seal is not damaged.


    Object Number: 2170558 Size: SH
  1. Install the disc brake axle shaft (1) in the rear axle assembly (2), if equipped.

    2. Object Number: 2170561 Size: SH
  2. Install the drum brake axle shaft (2) in the rear axle assembly (2), if equipped.

    3. Object Number: 2170564 Size: SH

    Note: In steps 3 and 4, pull out on the axle shaft after the lock has been installed to ensure that the lock is seated properly.

  3. Install the lock (1) in the rear axle (2), without a locking differential.

    4. Object Number: 156412 Size: SH
  4. Install the lock (1) on the rear axle shaft (3), with a locking differential.

    5. Object Number: 156410 Size: SH

    Note: On axles with a locking differential, keep the differential pinion shaft slightly withdrawn.

  5. Install the differential pinion gear shaft.

    6. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 156409 Size: SH
  6. Install the NEW differential pinion gear shaft bolt and tighten to 34 N·m (25 lb ft) for the 8.6 inch axle and 50 N·m (37 lb ft) for the 9.5 inch axle.
  7. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement.
  8. Install the wheel speed sensor.
    9. • For Hybrid vehicles, refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
    • For non Hybrid vehicles (1500 series), refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
    • For non Hybrid vehicles (2500 series), refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
  9. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket, if equipped. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement.
  10. Install the rear brake drum, if equipped. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement.
  11. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  12. Remove the support and lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.