Rear Axle Bearing & Oil Seal (Semi-Floating Axle): Installation

Lubricate bearing with axle lubricant. Using Handle (J-8092) and Bearing Installer (J-23765), install bearing in axle housing until bearing installer bottoms against shoulder of axle housing.
Using Seal Installer (J-23771), install seal until even with surface of axle housing. Lubricate seal lips with axle lubricant. Install axle shaft and "C" lock. See Figure and Fig 1. Pull axle shaft outward to ensure "C" lock seats in side gear.
Install pinion shaft. Install NEW pinion shaft lock bolt. Tighten lock bolt to 25 ft. lbs. (34 N.m). Install differential cover and new gasket. Fill drive axle with axle lubricant.

Fig 1: Removing & Installing "C" Lock & Pinion Shaft On Locking Differential (Typical)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Lubricate bearing and seal lips with wheel bearing grease. Fill axle cavity between seal and axle with wheel bearing grease.
Using Bearing Installer (J-23690) on 8 1/2" ring gear or (J-29709) on 9 1/2" ring gear, install bearing until installer contacts axle housing. Using Seal Installer (J-21128) on 8 1/2" ring gear or (J-29713) on9 1/2" ring gear, install seal until even with axle housing.
Install axle shaft. Use care not to damage seal. Ensure splines on axle shaft engage with splines on side gear. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Ensure "C" lock is fully seated or positioned in thrust block. See Figure and Figure.
Install pinion shaft. Install NEW pinion shaft lock bolt and tighten to 25 ft. lbs. (34 N.m). Install differential cover and new gasket. Fill axle with gear lubricant.