GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 44851 Pinion Seal Installer
    • J 44873 Pinion Flange Holder and Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Index mark the propeller shaft at the power take-off unit (PTU) output flange and at the rear drive module input flange.
  3. Place an adjustable support at the front and the rear of the propeller shaft.

  4. Object Number: 943426  Size: SH
  5. Remove the rear drive module (RDM) propeller shaft guard (2) mounting bolts (1)

  6. Object Number: 928922  Size: SH
  7. Remove the bolts securing the propeller shaft to the RDM flange.

  8. Object Number: 928930  Size: SH
  9. Remove the bolts securing the propeller shaft to the PTU.

  10. Object Number: 928924  Size: SH
  11. Remove the bolts securing the support bearing to the vehicle underbody.
  12. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 1265096  Size: SH
  14. Install the J 44873  (1) to the pinion flange (2).
  15. While holding the J 44873 with a breaker bar, loosen the pinion flange nut.

  16. Object Number: 943440  Size: SH
  17. Remove and discard the pinion flange nut (1).
  18. Remove the flange (2).

  19. Object Number: 943451  Size: SH
  20. Remove the dust deflector (2) from the pinion flange (1).

  21. Object Number: 943455  Size: SH
  22. Remove and discard the pinion oil seal (1).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 734863  Size: SH
  1. Thoroughly clean the pinion oil seal mounting surface of the RDM housing (1).
  2. Using the J 44851 , install a new pinion oil seal to the RDM.
  3. Ensure that the seal flange seats squarely against the face of the RDM.

  4. Object Number: 943451  Size: SH
  5. Install the dust deflector (2) to the drive pinion flange (1).
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 943440  Size: SH
  7. Install the pinion flange (2) and nut (1) to the RDM.

  8. Object Number: 1265096  Size: SH
  9. Install the J 44873  (1) to the pinion flange (2).
  10. While holding the pinion flange stationary with a breaker bar on the J 44873 , tighten the pinion flange nut.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 203 N·m (150 lb ft).

  12. Remove the J 44873 from pinion flange.

  13. Object Number: 928924  Size: SH
  14. Install the propeller shaft to the vehicle using support stands to assist in positioning the propeller shaft.
  15. Hand install the support bearing retainer bolts to the vehicle underbody.

  16. Object Number: 928930  Size: SH
  17. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft and the PTU output flange.
  18. Install the bolts to the propeller shaft and the PTU flange.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 928922  Size: SH
  20. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft and the RDM pinion flange.
  21. Install the bolts to the propeller shaft and the pinion flange.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  23. Remove the support stands.

  24. Object Number: 943426  Size: SH
  25. Install the propeller shaft guard to the RDM.
  26. Install the bolts to the propeller shaft guard.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  28. Inspect the RDM fluid level. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .
  29. Lower the vehicle.