GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 G8 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Differential Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

    Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Drain differential oil. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement.
  4. Remove the intermediate exhaust assembly. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement.
  5. Remove the propeller shaft and rubber coupling from differential flange. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  6. Remove the wheel drive shaft assemblies. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
  7. Support the differential with a suitable jack.

    8. Object Number: 1958888 Size: SH

    Note:  Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant are single use parts and must be discarded after removal.

  8. Remove the differential retaining bolts and nuts (1, 2, and 3) from the rear suspension.

    9. Note:  With a suitable jack, support the differential.

  9. Remove the differential from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Note:  With a suitable jack, raise and support the differential.

  1. Position the differential to the vehicle.

    2. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1958888 Size: SH

    Note:  With a suitable jack, support the differential.

  2. Install the differential retaining bolts and nuts (1, 2, and 3) to the rear suspension. Tighten the bolts and nuts (1) to 80 N·m (59 lb  ft). Tighten the bolts and nuts (2) to 100 N·m (74 lb  ft). Tighten the bolts and nuts (3) to 100 N·m (74 lb  ft).
  3. Install the propeller shaft and rubber coupling to the differential flange. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  4. Install the wheel drive shaft assemblies. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
  5. Install the intermediate exhaust assembly. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement.
  6. Install the rear wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  7. Fill differential oil. Refer to Differential Oil Replacement.
  8. Remove the safety stands.
  9. Lower the vehicle to the ground.