Replacement
Differential Carrier Assembly ReplacementRemoval Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123- B67313) at the rear end of the vehicle.
3. Remove the front differential carrier assembly shield (if equipped).
4. Drain the front drive axle.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the front drive axle (S4WD axle only).
6. Disconnect the front propeller shaft from the differential carrier assembly.
7. Remove the wheel drive shafts.
8. Disconnect the idler arm from the relay rod.
9. Disconnect the pitman arm from the relay rod.
10. Move the relay rod forward towards the front of vehicle in order to provide clearance.
11. Attach a transmission jack to the differential carrier assembly.
12. Disconnect the vent hose (1) from the differential carrier assembly (2).
13. Remove the inner axle housing nuts (2) from the bracket (1).
14. Remove the differential carrier assembly lower mounting bolt (3) and the nut (4).
15. Remove the upper differential carrier assembly mounting bolt (1) and the nut (2).
16. Remove the differential carrier assembly (5) from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the differential carrier assembly (5) to the vehicle.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
2. Install the upper differential carrier assembly mounting bolt (1) and the nut (2).
3. Install the lower differential carrier assembly mounting bolt (3) and the nut (4).
^ Tighten the differential carrier assembly bolts to 100 Nm (75 lb ft).
3. Install the inner axle housing nuts (2) to the bracket (1).
^ Tighten the bolts to 100 Nm (75 lb ft).
4. Connect the vent hose (1) to the differential carrier case assembly (2).
5. Remove the transmission jack.
6. Install the pitman arm to the relay rod.
7. Install the idler arm to the relay rod.
8. Install the wheel drive shafts.
9. Install the front propeller shaft to the differential carrier assembly.
10. Connect the electrical connector to the front drive axle (S4WD axle only).
11. Inspect the lubricant level and add, if necessary.
12. Install the front differential carrier assembly shield (if equipped).
13. Remove the utility stands.
14. Lower the vehicle.