GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 RELAY 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Axle Lubricant Change

Draining Procedure

    Object Number: 690489 Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug (2).
  3. Position a drain pan under drain plug.
  4. Remove the drain plug (2) and gasket from the differential and drain the oil.

Filling Procedure

    Object Number: 690489 Size: SH

    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.

  1. Install the drain plug (2) and gasket to the differential.

    2. Tighten
    Tighten the differential drain plug to 32 N·m (23 lb ft).

  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug (1).
  3. Remove the fill plug from the differential.
  4. Fill the differential with synthetic gear oil. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Specifications , or Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers .
  5. Inspect the gear oil level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
  6. Install the fill plug (1) and gasket to the differential.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 32 N·m (23 lb ft).

  7. Lower the vehicle.

    8. Important: The vehicle must be driven in tight left and right circles after filling the differential in order to distribute the gear lubricant throughout the differential.

  8. Operate the vehicle in tight right and left circles in order to engage the all-wheel-drive system.
  9. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  10. Remove the fill plug from the differential.
  11. Inspect the gear oil level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
  12. Install the fill plug and gasket to the differential.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 32 N·m (23 lb ft).

  13. Lower the vehicle.