GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2004 🢒 Sonoma Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  4. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  5. Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .

    6. Object Number: 156409 Size: SH
  6. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

    7. Object Number: 156410 Size: SH
  7. On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

    8. Object Number: 156411 Size: SH
  8. On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.

    9. Object Number: 156412 Size: SH
  9. On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the rear axle shaft lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).
  10. Push the flange of the axle shaft inward towards the differential assembly.
  11. Remove the axle shaft lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

    12. Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.

  12. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

  1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.
  2. Slide the axle shaft into the differential assembly allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.
  3. On axles without a locking differential, place the axle shaft lock on the button end of the axle shaft.

    4. Object Number: 156412 Size: SH
  4. On axles with a locking differential, place the axle shaft lock (1) on the axle shaft (3) so that the ends are flush with the thrust block (2).
  5. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the axle shaft lock into the differential side gear.
  6. Install the pinion shaft.

    7. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 156409 Size: SH
  7. Install the new pinion shaft lock bolt.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  8. Install the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  9. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  10. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  11. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  13. Lower the vehicle.