Axle Beam: Service and Repair

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure




1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the park brake cable from the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Cable Replacement (Service and Repair).
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. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (Rear Suspension Shock Absorber).
11. Lower the support jacks and remove the rear springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement (Rear Suspension Coil Spring).




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. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement (Service and Repair).

Installation Procedure

1. Install the backing plate and the wheel cylinder to the axle. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement (Service and Repair).




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.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

7. Install the right axle mounting bracket bolts to the underbody and tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).
8. Install the rear springs and insulators. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement (Rear Suspension Coil Spring).
9. Install the shock absorbers to the axle with the lower attachment bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (Rear Suspension Shock Absorber).
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. Refer to Parking Brake Cable Replacement (Service and Repair).
14. Install the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement (Service and Repair).
15. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector, if equipped.




16. Bleed the brake system and inspect for leaks. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Service and Repair).
17. If necessary, adjust the park brake. Refer to Parking Brake Adjustment (Adjustments).
18. Lower the vehicle slightly and install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Raise the vehicle on an alignment rack. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
21. With the weight of the vehicle on the tires, tighten the lower shock absorber-to-axle bolts to 72 Nm (53 lb ft).
22. Tighten the axle-to-bracket nuts and bolts to 115 Nm (85 lb ft).
23. Lower the vehicle.