GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 156409  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
  4. Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  5. Remove the rear wheel speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
  6. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

  7. Object Number: 156410  Size: SH
  8. Remove the pinion shaft.

  9. Object Number: 391222  Size: SH
  10. Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.
  11. Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).

  12. Object Number: 913413  Size: SH

    Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make assembly difficult.

  13. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 913413  Size: SH

    Important: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

  1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.
  2. Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.

  3. Object Number: 391222  Size: SH
  4. Place the lock (4) on the button end of the axle shaft (1).
  5. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the differential gear.

  6. Object Number: 156409  Size: SH
  7. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.
  8. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  9. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

  11. Install the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  12. Install the rear wheel speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
  13. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Fill the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  16. Lower the vehicle.