GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the rear axle assembly. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  3. Remove the rear axle cover housing and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  4. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  5. Remove the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  6. Remove the axle shaft seals and the axle shaft bearings. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal and/or Bearing Replacement .
  7. Remove the differential assembly. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  8. Remove the drive pinion shaft yoke and the seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
  9. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the new drive pinion bearing cups into the axle housing. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
  2. Install the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  3. Install the differential assembly. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  4. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment .
  5. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment .
  6. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
  7. Install the new axle shaft bearings and the axle shaft seals. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal and/or Bearing Replacement .
  8. Install the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  9. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  10. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  11. Install the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  12. Lower the vehicle.