Rear Axle Replacement 8.6, 9.5, 10.5 Inch Axle

Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axle, pinion flanges, and output shafts. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow the specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-B67313) at the front end of the vehicle.
3. Drain the axle lubricant from the rear axle.
4. Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement .
7. Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
8. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
9. Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .



10. Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.



11. Remove the U-bolts (4), the spring plates (7) and the spacers (8) from the axle assembly.
12. Lower the axle assembly.

1. Transfer any necessary parts to the replacement axle.



2. Place the rear axle assembly under the vehicle.
3. Align the rear axle assembly with the springs.
4. Install the spacers (8), the spring plates (7) and the U-bolts (4) to the rear axle.
5. Raise the rear axle assembly into position.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

6. Install the washers and the nuts to the U-bolts.

Tighten

•	Tighten the nuts (with attached washer) to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).

•	Tighten the nuts (without attached washer) to 137 N·m (101 lb ft).

7. Install the vent hose to the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .



8. Connect the shock absorbers to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
9. Install the brake lines and the brake line bracket bolts to the axle.
10. Connect the parking brake cable. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement in Park Brake.
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
12. Connect the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
14. Remove the utility stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Replacement 11 Inch Axle

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE123 B67313) at the front end of the vehicle.
4. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing. Refer to Lubricant Change .
5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:

•	Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

•	Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

6. Remove the brake line brackets.
7. Remove and support the brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement In Disc Brakes.
8. Remove the hub and rotor assemblies. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement .
9. Remove the brake line junction block from the axle.
10. Remove the brake lines from the brake line hold down tabs and support the brake lines as necessary.
11. For vehicles equipped with a stabilizer shafts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Rear Suspension.
12. Remove the shock absorbers from the lower shock absorber mounts.
13. Remove the vent hose from the axle vent fitting.
14. Support the axle assembly with a hydraulic floor jack.
15. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
16. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates, and the spacers from the axle assembly.
17. Remove the axle assembly.

1. Place the axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Raise the axle into position.
3. Align the axle to the alignment studs on the springs.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

4. Install the spacers, the spring plates, and the U-bolts to the axle assembly.
5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 253  N·m(187 lb ft).

6. Install the vent hose to the axle vent fitting.
7. Install the shock absorbers, bolts, and nuts to the lower shock absorber mounts.

Tighten
Tighten the lower shock absorber bolts to 70 N·m(52 lb ft).

8. Install the hub and rotor assemblies. Refer to Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement in Hub and Rotor Replacement.
9. Install the brake line junction block.

Tighten
Tighten the brake line junction block bolt to 22 N·m(16 lb ft).

10. Fasten the brake lines to the axle with the hold down clips.
11. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
12. Install the brake line brackets to the rear brake backing plates.

Tighten
Tighten the brake line bracket bolts to 105 N·m (78 lb ft).

13. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft.

•	Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

•	Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

14. Fill the axle assembly with axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change .
15. Remove the jack stands.
16. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
17. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.