GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 28712 Drive Axle Shaft Boot Protectors

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under the transaxle.

  3. Object Number: 179979  Size: SH
  4. Remove the transaxle oil level and/or the filler plug (1) from the transaxle.
  5. Use a wrench with a 10-mm hex-head socket in order to remove the transaxle drain plug (2) from the transaxle.
  6. Drain the transaxle oil.
  7. Install J 28712 the to the differential-side joints and to the wheel-side joints.
  8. Remove the drive axle from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
  9. Remove the axle shaft oil seal from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 35538 Axle Shaft Seal Installer
    • J 36850 Transjel® Transmission Assembly Lubricant
    • J 28712 Drive Axle Shaft Boot Protectors

    Object Number: 179987  Size: SH
  1. Use the J 35538 and a hammer in order to install a new oil seal (1) to the drive axle shaft.
  2. The spring on the side of the axle shaft that oil seal should face outward.

  3. Apply some J 36850 to the lip of the new oil seal.
  4. Inspect the drive axle shaft surface at the location of contact between the seal and the drive axle.
  5. The drive axle surface should be smooth, and without scoring and without burrs.

  6. Install the drive axle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
  7. Remove the J 28712 .

  8. Object Number: 179979  Size: SH
  9. Apply some GM P/N 12346004 or the equivalent to the threaded portion of the transaxle drain plug.
  10. 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.

  11. Install the transaxle drain plug (2) into the transaxle.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 21  N·m (15 lb ft).

  13. Add approximately 2.4 liters (2.5 qt) of transmission fluid into the transaxle filler plug hole. Use Castrol® Syntorq Transmission Fluid GM P/N 12346190, or the equivalent.
  14. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the transaxle oil level and/or of the filler plug hole.

  15. Apply some GM P/N 1236004 or the equivalent to the transaxle oil level and/or to the filler plug threads.
  16. Install the transaxle oil level and the filler plug (1) into the transaxle.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle oil level and/or the filler plug to 21 N·m (15 lb ft).

  18. Remove the drain pan from the vehicle.
  19. Lower the vehicle.