Axle Bearing & Seal - Semi-Floating Axle: Removal

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and brake drum. Loosen differential cover plate and drain lubricant from axle. Remove cover plate. Remove pinion shaft lock bolt. See Fig 1 and Fig 2.
2. On locking differential models, remove pinion shaft part way. Rotate differential case until pinion shaft contacts axle housing. Using screwdriver, rotate "C" lock until it aligns with thrust block. On all models, push axle shaft toward center of vehicle and remove "C" lock from end of axle shaft.
3. Remove axle shaft from axle housing. Using Seal Remover (J-23689), remove seal from axle housing. Remove bearing using Slide Hammer (J-2619-01) and Bearing Puller (J-23689) on 8 1/2" ring gear, or (J-29712) on 9 1/2" ring gear.

Fig 1: Locating "C" Lock & Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt (Typical)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: "C" Lock & Pinion Shaft R & I On Locking Differential (Typical)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.