Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 GMC Sierra and 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: View Of Pinion Shaft Locking Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Remove the rear cover and gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

Fig 2: View Of Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 3: Pinion Shaft Touching Housing

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 4: View Of Axle Shaft, Lock & Thrust Block

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 5: View Of Axle Shaft & Brake Drum

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the brake drum.
Push the flange of the axle shaft in toward the differential.
Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

IMPORTANT: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make assembly difficult.

Remove the axle shaft from the housing.