Axle Shaft & Bearing: Removal
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 GMC Sonoma, 2002 GMC Sierra, and 2002 GMC Savana Special. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels and brake drums. Place drain pan below differential cover. Loosen, but DO NOT remove, differential cover bolts. Break cover loose. Allow lubricant to drain. Remove differential cover. Remove differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
- On non-locking differential assemblies, remove differential pinion shaft. Push outer flanged end of axle shaft toward center of vehicle. Remove "C" lock from axle shaft groove and from counterbore recess in side gear. Remove axle shaft from axle housing.
- On locking differential assemblies (with thrust block and clutch packs), move pinion shaft part way. Rotate differential case to lock pinion shaft against carrier housing. See Fig 1.
- Using screwdriver, rotate "C" lock until its open end faces thrust block and "C" lock is aligned with thrust block sides. See Fig 2. Push axle shaft inward. Remove "C" lock from thrust block and axle shaft groove. Remove axle shaft from axle housing.CAUTION: Do not hammer on axle shaft flange.
- On all assemblies, insert axle bearing and seal remover into axle housing behind bearing. Attach Slide Hammer (J-2619-01) and Adapter (J-22813) for 7.6" ring gear, (J-44685) for 8.0" ring gear or (J-23689) for 8.6" and 9.5" ring gear. Remove axle bearing and axle seal. See Fig 3.