Rear Axle Replacement (15 Series With/Drum Brakes)

Rear Axle Replacement (15 Series with/Drum Brakes)

Removal Procedure





1. Raise support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
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.
4. Disconnect the propeller shaft.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable.
7. Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
8. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.
9. Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting.
10. Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.
11. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers form the axle assembly.
12. Lower the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure





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.

5. Install the washers if equipped and the nuts to the U-bolts.
^ The nuts in a crisscross pattern to 72 Nm (53 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Service Precautions.

6. Install the vent hose to the rear axle vent fitting.
7. Connect the shock absorbers to the rear axle.
8. Install the brake lines and the brake line bracket bolts to the axle.
9. Connect the parking brake cable.
10. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
11. Connect the propeller shaft.
12. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
13. Remove the utility stands.
14. Lower the vehicle.