GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
  1. Clean all the parts with an approved solvent.
  2. Visually inspect all the parts for excessive wear or breakage. Replace the parts if necessary.
  3. Inspect the pinion gear and the side gear teeth for any the following conditions:
  4. • Wear
    • Cracks
    • Scoring
    • Spalling
  5. Inspect the thrust washers for wear.
  6. Inspect the fit of the side gears on the axle shafts.
  7. Inspect the differential case for cracks and scoring.
  8. Important: Do not replace the thrust sleeve unless it is necessary.

  9. Inspect the thrust sleeve for excessive wear.
  10. Inspect the side gear bore for scoring. If scoring is present, replace the entire differential.
  11. Replace the differential if you find any damage to the case.