Special Tools

1. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the floor panel tunnel rear panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Replacement - Rear.
3. Remove the propeller shaft, differential, and driveline support. Refer to Propeller Shaft, Differential, and Driveline Support Replacement.
4. Remove the differential carrier bracket. Refer to Differential Carrier Bracket Replacement



5. Install the J 45012 to the flange.
6. While holding the J 45012 , remove the drive pinion nut using J 34826 .
7. Using the J 45012 to hold the drive pinion flange, use the J 34826 to remove the drive pinion nut.
8. Remove the J 45012 .



9. Install the J 45019 to the flange.
10. Using the J 45019 , remove the flange.
11. Using a flat-bladed tool, remove the drive pinion seal. Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces.

Important: Ensure the pinion bore is free of dirt and debris.

1. Apply a small amount of synthetic gear oil GM P/N 12378514 (Canadian P/N 88901045) or equivalent to the sealing surfaces of the drive pinion flange and the drive pinion seal.



2. Using the J 42851  (1) , install the pinion seal (2) to the differential housing (3).
3. Remove the J 45019 .



4. Install the J 45012 .
5. Install the pinion flange to the drive pinion shaft.

Important: The pinion shaft threads and the pinion flange nut must be free of residue and debris prior to application of threadlocker.

6. Clean all the residue from the pinion shaft threads and pinion flange nut by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.

Important: Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the pinion shaft threads.

7. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the pinion shaft threads.
8. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

9. Install the drive pinion flange nut to the pinion shaft. While holding the J 45012 , use J 34826 to tighten the drive pinion nut.

Tighten
Tighten the pinion flange nut to 245 N·m (181 lb ft).

10. Remove the J 45012 .
11. Install the differential carrier bracket. Refer to Differential Carrier Bracket Replacement
12. Install the propeller shaft, differential, and driveline support. Refer to Propeller Shaft, Differential, and Driveline Support Replacement.
13. Install floor panel tunnel rear panel. Refer to Floor Panel Tunnel Panel Replacement - Rear.
14. Inspect the fluid level. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
15. Lower the vehicle.