Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Drain the rear axle. Refer to LUBRICANT LEVEL INSPECTION - REAR DRIVE AXLE .
Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
IMPORTANT: Do not nick or cut the rear axle housing cover gasket.
Remove the rear axle housing cover (2) from the axle housing.
Drain the axle lubricant into a suitable container.

Fig 1: Removing Rear Axle Housing Cover Bolts (1)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.