Removal Procedure

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Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the rear axle fill plug.

Fig 1: Remove The Rear Axle Fill Plug (9.5, 10.5 Inch Axle)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear axle drain plug.
Drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
Inspect the drain plug for excessive metal particle accumulation. This accumulation is symptomatic of extreme wear.
Clean the drain plug.

Fig 2: Removing Rear Axle Drain Plug (9.5, 10.5 Inch Axle)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.