Rear Axle Replacement 15 Series

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Place jack stands or utility stands, such as GMDE 123-B67313, at the front-end of the vehicle.
3. Support the rear axle with jack stands.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
5. Disconnect the rear axle vent tube.
6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
7. Remove the propshaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .
8. Disconnect the left-rear park brake cable from the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side .
9. Disconnect the right-rear park brake cable from the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side .
10. Remove the caliper assemblies from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
11. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the rear axle. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
12. Remove the crossover brake pipe from the rear axle.
13. Remove the coil springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .
14. Disconnect the track bar from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement .
15. Disconnect the lower control arm from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement .
16. Disconnect the upper control arm from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Upper Control Arm Replacement .
17. Remove the rear axle assembly from the vehicle.

1. Install the rear axle assembly to the vehicle.
2. Connect the upper control arm to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Upper Control Arm Replacement .
3. Connect the lower control arm to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement .
4. Connect the track bar to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement .
5. Install the coil springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

6. Install the crossover brake pipe to the rear axle.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

7. Install the stabilizer shaft to the rear axle. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
8. Install the caliper assemblies to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
9. Connect the right-rear park brake cable to the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side .
10. Connect the left-rear park brake cable to the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side .
11. Install the propshaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .
12. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector.
13. Connect the rear axle vent tube.
14. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
15. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
16. Remove the utility stands and the jack stands.
17. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Axle Replacement 25 Series

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
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. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
4. Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .
5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side .
7. Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
8. Remove the brake calipers from the brake caliper mounting brackets. Do not disconnect the brake lines. Suspend the calipers from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
9. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
10. Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
11. Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.
12. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers form the axle assembly.
13. Lower the axle assembly.

1. Place the rear axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Align the rear axle assembly with the springs.
3. Connect the spacers, the spring plates and the U-bolts to the rear axle.
4. Raise the rear axle assembly into position.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

5. Install the washers if equipped and the nuts to the U-bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).

6. Install the vent hose to the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
7. Connect the shock absorbers to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
8. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .
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 - Left Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side .
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
12. Connect the propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement .
13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
14. Remove the utility stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.