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 rear axle cover housing and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  6. Remove the rear brake shield. Refer to Rear Brake Shield Replacement .
  7. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  8. Remove the differential. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  9. Remove the drive pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  10. 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 rear brake shield. Refer to Rear Brake Shield Replacement .
  7. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  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 rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement .
  11. Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  12. Lower the vehicle.