GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  3. Remove the rear axle assembly. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  4. Remove the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  5. Remove the wheel hub. Refer to Rear Axle Hub, Bearing, Cup, and/or Seal Replacement (10.5 inch axles only).
  6. Remove the rear axle cover housing and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  7. Remove the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Backing Plate Replacement .
  8. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles) or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement (10.5 inch axles).
  9. Remove the differential. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  10. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  11. Remove the drive pinion shaft yoke and the seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  2. Install the differential case. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  3. Adjust the side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment .
  4. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment .
  5. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
  6. Install the brake backing plates. Refer to Rear Disc Brake Backing Plate Replacement .
  7. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles) or Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement (10.5 inch axles).
  8. Install the rear axle housing cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  9. Install the brake caliper brackets. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  10. Install the wheel hub. Refer to Rear Axle Hub, Bearing, Cup, and/or Seal Replacement (10.5 inch axles only).
  11. Install the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  12. Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  13. Lower the vehicle.