Removal (Full-Floating Axle)

Ensure parking brake is released. Raise and support rear of vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove bolts from end of axle shaft. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Rear Axle Shaft, Hub & Brake Drum Assembly (Full-Floating Axle)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Lightly tap axle shaft flange with soft hammer to loosen shaft. Grip rib on axle shaft flange with locking pliers. Twist axle shaft to start shaft removal. Pull axle shaft from axle housing.
Remove retaining ring and key. Using Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench (J-2222-C), remove adjusting nut. Remove washer. Remove hub and brake drum assembly (if necessary, back off adjuster wheel before removing brake drum).