GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2009 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C6/C7/C8 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Front Drive Axle 🢒 Differential Carrier Assembly Cover and/or Gasket Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Clean the area around the front axle fill plug.
  3. Remove the front axle fill plug.

    4. Object Number: 730544 Size: SH
  4. Remove the front axle housing cover bolts.

    5. Discard the front axle housing cover bolts.

  5. Carefully remove the front axle housing cover from the axle housing and drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
  6. Remove any sealant from the front axle housing and/or the front axle housing cover.
  7. Inspect the bottom of the front axle housing for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation may be a indication of extreme wear.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 739939 Size: SH
  1. 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.

    2. 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.


    Object Number: 730544 Size: SH
  2. Install the front axle housing cover.

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

    Note: Do not reuse the front axle housing cover bolts.

  3. Install the new front axle housing cover bolts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the front axle housing cover bolts to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).

    Note: Allow the sealant to cure for 1 hour before filling the axle with axle lubricant.

  4. Fill the front axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
  5. Install the front axle fill plug.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the front axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

  6. Lower the vehicle.