Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. 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.
- Place jack or utility stands at the front end of the vehicle.
- Drain the axle lubricant from the rear axle. Refer to LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (8.6 INCH AXLE) or LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.5, 10.5 INCH AXLE) or LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE (9.75 INCH AXLE) .
- Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT -- REAR in Propeller Shaft.
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
- Disconnect the parking brake cable. Refer to REMOVAL (LEFT REAR -- WITHOUT 4-WHEEL STEERING) or REMOVAL (LEFT REAR -- WITH 4-WHEEL STEERING) and REMOVAL (RIGHT REAR -- WITHOUT 4-WHEEL STEERING) or REMOVAL (RIGHT REAR -- WITH 4-WHEEL STEERING) in Park Brake.
- Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
- Remove the brake calipers from the brake caliper mounting brackets. Do not disconnect the brake lines. Suspend the calipers from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER in Disc Brakes.
- Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (15 SERIES) or SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (25 SERIES) in Rear Suspension.
- Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to VENT HOSE REPLACEMENT .
- Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.
- Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers form the axle assembly.
- Lower the axle assembly.