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.
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 Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
Remove the rear axle housing 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
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: 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 C-lock (1) until the C-lock aligns with the thrust block (2).
Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.

Fig 4: Pushing Flange Of Axle Shaft (1) Toward Differential
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

Fig 5: Removing C-Lock From Button End Of Axle Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the installing of the axle shaft difficult.
Remove the axle shaft from the housing.

Fig 6: Removing Axle Shaft From Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.