Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
- Remove the fill plug.
- Remove the front axle housing cover bolts.
Discard the bolts.
- Remove the front axle housing cover.
Drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
- Remove the sealant from the front axle housing and the front axle housing cover.
Installation Procedure
- 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 front axle housing cover.
The sealant is to be applied in the middle of the front axle housing cover flange and on the inside of all bolt
hole openings as shown.
- Install the front axle housing cover.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install the new front axle housing cover bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the front axle housing cover bolts to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).
Important: Allow the sealant to cure for 1 hour before filling the axle with axle lubricant.
- Fill the front axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to
Approximate Fluid Capacities
and
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
.
- Install the front axle fill plug.
Tighten
Tighten the front axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).
- Lower the vehicle.