Axle Beam: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

Proper Support:

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Remove the brake shoes.
4. Remove the park brake cable from the rear axle.
5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector, if equipped.




6. Remove the brake pipes from the brake hoses at the rear axle brackets. Cap or tape the brake hose openings to prevent entry of foreign matter.
7. Remove the retaining clips from the brake hoses.
8. Unclip the brake hoses from the rear axle brackets.
9. Place support jacks under the arms of the rear axle and raise the rear axle arms slightly.
10. Remove the shock absorbers.
11. Lower the support jacks and remove the rear springs.




12. Remove the left axle-to-bracket nut and bolt from the bracket. Pry the rear axle slightly, if necessary.
13. Remove the right axle mounting bracket bolts from the underbody.
14. Remove the rear axle from the vehicle.
15. Remove the right axle-to-bracket nut and bolt from the bracket.
16. Remove the right axle bracket from the axle.
17. Remove the remaining drum brake components from the axle.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the backing plate and the wheel cylinder to the axle.




2. Install the right axle bracket to the axle.
3. Loosely install the right axle-to-bracket nut and bolt to the right axle bracket.
4. Raise and support the rear axle.
5. Loosely install the left axle-to-bracket nut and bolt to the left axle bracket.
6. Apply blue medium strength threadlocker, GM P/N 12345382, or equivalent, to the right axle mounting bracket bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

7. Install the right axle mounting bracket bolts to the underbody.

Tighten the axle mounting bracket bolts to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).

8. Install the rear springs and insulators.
9. Install the shock absorbers to the axle with the lower attachment bolts.
10. Install the brake hoses to the brackets on the rear axle.
11. Install the retaining clips to the brake hoses.
12. Install the brake pipes to the brake hoses.
13. Install the park brake cable to the rear axle.
14. Install the brake shoes.
15. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector, if equipped.




16. Bleed the brake system and inspect for leaks.
17. If necessary, adjust the park brake.
18. Lower the vehicle slightly and install the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Raise the vehicle on an alignment rack. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
21. With the weight of the vehicle on the tires, tighten the lower shock absorber-to-axle bolts.

Tighten the lower shock absorber-to-axle bolts to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).

22. Tighten the axle-to-bracket nuts and bolts.

Tighten the axle-to-bracket nuts and bolts to 115 N.m (85 lb ft).

23. Lower the vehicle.