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 .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER .

Fig 1: Pinion Shaft Locking Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.
On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 2: Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.

Fig 3: Pinion Shaft Part Way Removed
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).

Fig 4: Aligning Lock With Thrust Block
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.
Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).
IMPORTANT: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.
Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).

Fig 5: Axle Shaft, Housing & C-Lock

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.