Rear Axle - Replacement

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE123 B67313) at the front end of the vehicle.
4. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.
5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement-Three Piece

6. Remove the brake line brackets.
7. Remove and support the brake calipers.
8. Remove the hub and rotor assemblies.
9. Remove the brake line junction block from the axle.
10. Remove the brake lines from the brake line hold down tabs and support the brake lines as necessary.
11. For vehicles equipped with a stabilizer shafts.
12. Remove the shock absorbers from the lower shock absorber mounts.
13. Remove the vent hose from the axle vent fitting.
14. Support the axle assembly with a hydraulic floor jack.
15. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
16. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates, and the spacers from the axle assembly.
17. Remove the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure
1. Place the axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Raise the axle into position.
3. Align the axle to the alignment studs on the springs.
4. Install the spacers, the spring plates, and the U-bolts to the axle assembly.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.
^ Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 253 Nm (187 lb ft).
6. Install the vent hose to the axle vent fitting.
7. Install the shock absorbers, bolts, and nuts to the lower shock absorber mounts.
^ Tighten the lower shock absorber bolts to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).
8. Install the hub and rotor assemblies.
9. Install the brake line junction block.
^ Tighten the brake line junction block bolt to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).
10. Fasten the brake lines to the axle with the hold down clips.
11. Install the brake calipers.
12. Install the brake line brackets to the rear brake backing plates.
^ Tighten the brake line bracket bolts to 105 Nm (78 lb ft).
13. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure.
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement-Three Piece

14. Fill the axle assembly with axle lubricant.
15. Remove the jack stands.
16. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
17. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.