Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 GMC Sierra and 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Axle Housing Cover & Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch HD and 10.5 Inch Axles) .
Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
Discard the rear axle housing cover bolts.
Remove the rear axle housing cover (2) from the axle housing.
1. Catch the oil in a drain pan.
2. Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the rear axle housing cover.