Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 GMC Sierra, 2008 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2008 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
- Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JH6, JH7) or Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JD9) .
- 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.
- On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.
- 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).
- 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).
- Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).
- Using the J 45859 and the J 2619-01 , remove the Axle shaft from the differential housing.
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.
IMPORTANT:
If the rear axle shaft is difficult to remove, perform the following service procedure.