GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2002 🢒 Sonoma Pickup - 4WD 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the rear axle housing in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
  3. Remove the rear tires and wheels assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove the rear brake drums (if equipped). Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  5. Remove the rear brake rotors (if equipped). Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  6. Remove the rear brake hose mounting bracket bolt at the axle housing. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  7. Remove the rear park brake cables. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement in Park Brake.
  8. Remove right rear park brake cable from the cable guide on the rear axle.
  9. Remove the rear backing plates. Refer to Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  10. Remove rear axle vibration dampener (if equipped). Refer to Axle Vibration Damper Replacement .
  11. Disconnect the lower mount of the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

    12. Important: Do not remove propeller shaft from the slip yoke.

  12. Remove the propeller shaft attached to the rear drive axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
    13. •  One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
    •  Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
  13. Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order not put stress on the universal joints.
  14. Remove the rear leaf springs. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.

    15. Important: Do not remove vent hose attached to frame.

  15. Disconnect the vent hose from the rear axle housing.
  16. Lower the axle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure
  1. Raise the rear drive axle to a height in order to install the rear leaf springs.
  2. Install the rear leaf springs. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  3. Connect the vent hose to the axle housing.
  4. Line up the previously made marks on the propeller shaft with the marks on the pinion flange.
  5. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
    6. •  One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
    •  Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
  6. Install the rear axle damper. Refer to Axle Vibration Damper Replacement .
  7. Install the rear backing plates. Refer to Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  8. Install the right rear park brake cable in the cable guide on the rear axle.
  9. Connect the park brake cables. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement in Park Brake.
  10. Install the rear brake drums (if equipped). Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  11. Install the rear brake rotors (if equipped). Refer to Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  12. Install the rear tires and wheels assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  14. Bleed the brakes system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Test drive vehicle and check for leaks.