GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 36609 Axle Tube Bearing Installer
    • J 45225 Axle Seal Installer
    • J 45755 Front Axle Bushing Remover/Installer - 9.25 inch Axle
    • J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - ¾ in - 10

    Object Number: 868453  Size: SH
  1. Bend the right side differential adjuster nut lock tab over the differential adjuster nut sleeve.

  2. Object Number: 868375  Size: SH
  3. Install the differential adjuster nut lock.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 868367  Size: SH
  5. Install the differential adjuster nut lock bolt.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the differential adjuster lock nut bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  7. Remove the differential carrier assembly bolts.
  8. Remove the right differential carrier case half.
  9. Clean the sealing surface of each half of the differential carrier case and the inner axle housing to differential carrier assembly.
  10. The surfaces must be clean of all the grease and the oil.

  11. Apply a bead of sealer to one differential carrier case half sealing surface. Use the correct sealer. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants .
  12. Install the right differential carrier case half.
  13. Install the differential carrier case bolts.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the differential carrier case bolts to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  15. Install the upper differential carrier assembly bushing into the upper differential carrier assembly bushing bore.

  16. Object Number: 863551  Size: SH
  17. Install the J 45755-2 (2), J 45755-1 (3), and the forcing screw, bearing and washers (1) over the differential carrier assembly bushing as shown.
  18. Press the bushing into the differential carrier assembly bushing bore using the J 45755 .
  19. Notice: Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 847066  Size: SH
  20. Install the differential carrier hole plug.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the differential carrier hole plug to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).

  22. Install the new axle shaft seal using the J 45225 and the J 8092 .
  23. Install the left side inner axle shaft into the differential case side gear using a soft-faced mallet until the retaining ring on the inner axle shaft is fully seated within the groove in the differential case side gear.
  24. Pull back on the inner axle shaft to ensure that the inner axle shaft is properly retained in the differential case side gear.

  25. Object Number: 856131  Size: SH
  26. Install the right side inner axle shaft bearing by performing the following steps:
  27. 17.1. Install the inner axle shaft housing into a vise.
    17.2. Install the bearing with the square shoulder in using the J 36609  (1) and the J 8092  (2).

    Object Number: 1486570  Size: SH
  28. Install the right side inner axle shaft seal by performing the following steps:
  29. • Install the inner axle shaft housing into a vise.
    • Install the new axle shaft seal using the J 45225 and the J 8092 .

    Object Number: 866031  Size: SH
  30. Install the inner axle shaft into the inner axle shaft housing.
  31. Carefully tap the inner axle shaft into place with a soft-faced mallet.

  32. Apply sealant to the inner axle housing to differential carrier sealing surface. Use the correct sealer. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants .

  33. Object Number: 866006  Size: SH
  34. Install the inner axle shaft housing to the differential carrier case.

  35. Object Number: 865998  Size: SH
  36. Install the inner axle shaft housing bolts.
  37. Tighten
    Tighten the inner axle shaft housing bolts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  38. Install the drain plug and the washer.
  39. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

  40. Fill the differential carrier assembly with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  41. Install the fill plug and the washer.
  42. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).