Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-B67313) at the front end of the vehicle.
- Drain the axle lubricant from the rear axle. Refer to Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (8.6 Inch Axle) or Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (9.5, 10.5, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (9.75 Inch Axle) .
- Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT REPLACEMENT-ONE PIECE or PROPELLER SHAFT REPLACEMENT-TWO PIECE .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- Disconnect the parking brake cable. Refer to PARK BRAKE CABLE .
- Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
- Remove the brake calipers from the brake caliper mounting brackets. Do not disconnect the brake lines. Suspend the calipers from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER .
- Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT .
- Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
- Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.
- Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers from the axle assembly.
- Lower the axle assembly.