GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement 8.6 Inch Axle

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1500  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Clean the area around the rear axle fill plug.
  3. Remove the rear axle fill plug.
  4. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts.
  5. Discard the rear axle housing cover bolts.

  6. Carefully remove the rear axle housing cover from the axle housing and drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
  7. Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.
  8. Inspect the bottom of the rear axle housing for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation may be a indication of extreme wear.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1500  Size: SH
  1. Install the rear axle housing cover and a new gasket onto the axle housing.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Do not reuse the rear axle housing cover bolts.

  3. Install the new rear axle housing cover bolts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts in a crosswise pattern to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  5. Fill the rear axle using the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  6. Install the rear axle fill plug.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft)

  8. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement 9.75 Inch, 10.5 Inch Axles

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Clean the area around the rear axle fill plug.
  3. Remove the rear axle fill plug.

  4. Object Number: 730544  Size: SH
  5. Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts.
  6. Discard the rear axle housing cover bolts.

  7. Carefully remove the rear axle housing cover from the axle housing and drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
  8. Remove any sealant from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.
  9. Inspect the bottom of the rear axle housing for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation may be a indication of extreme wear.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 739939  Size: SH
  1. Apply an approximately 3.18-6.35 mm (1/8-1/4 in) high and 3.18-6.35 mm (1/8-1/4 in) wide bead of sealant, GM P/N 12346240 (Canadian P/N 10953493) or equivalent, to the rear axle housing cover.
  2. The sealant is to be applied in the middle of the rear axle housing cover flange and on the inside of all bolt hole openings as shown.


    Object Number: 730544  Size: SH
  3. Install the rear axle housing cover.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Do not reuse the rear axle housing cover bolts.

  5. Install the new rear axle housing cover bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).

    Important: Allow the sealant to cure for 1 hour before filling the axle with axle lubricant.

  7. Fill the rear axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  8. Install rear axle fill plug.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

  10. Lower the vehicle.