GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  4. Remove the rear stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  5. Use an adjustable lifting device in order to support the rear axle housing.
  6. Remove the rear shock absorbers. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  7. Remove the rear axle track bar. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  8. Remove the rear brake (center) hose from the rear brake hose junction block.
  9. Remove the rear springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  10. Disconnect the parking brake cables from the rear axle housing.
  11. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the rear wheel sensor.
  12. Remove the rear axle torque arm. Refer to Torque Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  13. Remove the rear axle lower control arm. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  14. With the aid of a helper, remove the rear axle housing.

Installation Procedure
  1. With the aid of a helper, install the rear axle housing.
  2. Install the rear axle lower control arms. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  3. Install the rear axle torque arm. Refer to Torque Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  4. Connect the electrical connectors to the rear wheel sensor.
  5. Connect the parking brake cables to the rear axle housing.
  6. Install the rear springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  7. Install the rear brake (center) hose to the rear brake hose junction block.
  8. Install the rear axle track bar. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  9. Install the rear shock absorbers. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  10. Remove the adjustable lifting device from the rear axle housing.
  11. Install the rear stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  12. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  13. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  14. Install the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  15. Refill the rear axle with lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Level Check .
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Road test the vehicle in order to ensure proper rear axle operation.