Removal Procedure

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING & JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER -- REAR in Disc Brakes (if equipped).
Remove the brake drum (if equipped).
Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

Fig 1: Removing Pinion Shaft Locking Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 2: Removing Pinion Shaft (Axles Without Locking Differential)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.

Fig 3: Remove Pinion Shaft Part Way (Axles With Locking Differential)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).

Fig 4: Rotating Lock Until Lock Aligns With Thrust Block Using Screwdriver (Axles With Locking Differential)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.
Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).
Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.
Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).

Fig 5: Removing Axle Shaft From Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.