Installation Procedure

Important:  Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

1. Install the axle shaft (1) into the rear axle housing (5).
   Fig 1: Identifying Axle Shaft & Housing Parts For Installing

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Slide he axle shaft (1) into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.
3. On axles without a locking differential, place the lock (4) on the button end of the axle shaft (1).
4. On axles with a locking differential, keep the pinion shaft partially withdrawn.
5. On axles with a locking differential, place the C-lock (1) on the axle shaft (3) so that the ends are flush with the thrust block (2).
   Fig 2: Identifying Lock & Thrust Block

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the differential gear.
7. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.
   NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
8. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.
   Fig 3: New Pinion Shaft Locking Bolt

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Tighten 

   Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 25 N.m (19 lb ft).

9. Install the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to REAR AXLE HOUSING COVER AND GASKET REPLACEMENT .
10. Install the brake rotor. Refer to BRAKE ROTOR (REAR) in Disc Brakes.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
12. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS in General Information.
13. Lower the vehicle.