GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 3289-20 Holding Fixture
    • J 23907 Slide Hammer with Bearing Adapter
    • J 26941 Bushing and Bearing Remover - 3-4 in
    • J 45380 Transfer Case Rear Bushing Remover and Installer
    • J 45759 Assembly Fixture

    Object Number: 824069  Size: SH

    Important: Because of manufacturing design changes, the transfer case was manufactured with either 1st design clutch components or 2nd design clutch components. The oil pump pick-up screen parts may also be 1st design or 2nd design. When the different design components affect disassemble procedures, follow the procedures for that design level. The changes are for manufacture purposes only and do not enhance the performance of the transfer case.

  1. Attach the J 45759 to the transfer case using the adapter studs. All of the transfer case disassembly procedures can be performed with the case mounted to the J 45759 .

  2. Object Number: 819573  Size: SH
  3. Mount the J 3289-20  (1) to a sturdy workbench.
  4. Install the J 45759  (2) into J 3289-20  (1) and secure with pivot pin.

  5. Object Number: 857299  Size: SH
  6. Remove the drain plug (2) and the fill plug (1).
  7. Drain the fluid from the transfer case.

  8. Object Number: 670238  Size: SH
  9. Remove the actuator encoder motor mounting bolts.
  10. Remove the actuator encoder motor assembly.
  11. Remove the actuator insulator.

  12. Object Number: 1226851  Size: SH
  13. Remove the left rear speed sensor.
  14. Remove the right rear speed sensor.

  15. Object Number: 163707  Size: SH
  16. Remove the front speed sensor.

  17. Object Number: 163610  Size: SH
  18. Remove the vent tube, only if it is damaged.

  19. Object Number: 1226852  Size: SH
  20. Remove the rubber plug.

  21. Object Number: 705373  Size: SH
  22. Remove the front output shaft dust seal.
  23. Notice: Refer to Transfer Case Seal Removal Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 705377  Size: SH
  24. Remove the front output shaft seal.
  25. Notice: Refer to Transfer Case Seal Removal Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 678215  Size: SH
  26. Remove the input shaft seal.
  27. Notice: Refer to Transfer Case Seal Removal Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 715670  Size: SH
  28. Remove the rear output shaft seal.

  29. Object Number: 801274  Size: SH
  30. Inspect the rear bushing for scoring or wear.
  31. Using the J 45380 , remove the rear bushing.
  32. 19.1. Install the finger section of the J 45380 in front of the bushing.
    19.2. Install the tube and forcing screw assembly to the finger section. Ensure the forcing screw is backed out.
    19.3. Using a wrench on the forcing screw, remove the rear bushing.

    Object Number: 1226857  Size: SH

    Important: The magnesium transfer cases are using new style bolts that have a cup style washer. The cup washer is only available with the bolt. If the cup washer is not damaged the bolt can be used again.

  33. Remove the transfer case retaining bolts and studs.
  34. Mark the location of the studs and brackets.

  35. Object Number: 695581  Size: SH
  36. Insert a flat blade screwdriver in the slot on the left side of the transfer case.

  37. Object Number: 695583  Size: SH
  38. Insert a flat blade screwdriver in the slot on the right side of the transfer case.
  39. Apply equal pressure on both of the screwdrivers, in a downward motion, and separate the front and rear case halves.

  40. Object Number: 649760  Size: SH
  41. Insert snap ring pliers in the slot.
  42. Using the snap ring pliers, open the retaining ring for the rear output shaft bearing.

  43. Object Number: 163737  Size: SH
  44. Remove the rear case from the front case.

  45. Object Number: 724251  Size: SH
  46. Remove the oil pump wear sleeve, only if it is worn or damaged.

  47. Object Number: 701586  Size: SH
  48. Remove the rear output shaft bearing retaining ring.

  49. Object Number: 701589  Size: SH
  50. Remove the rear output shaft bearing.

  51. Object Number: 701592  Size: SH
  52. Remove the rear output shaft speed sensor reluctor wheel.

  53. Object Number: 163856  Size: SH
  54. Remove the magnet.

  55. Object Number: 163872  Size: SH
  56. If 1st design, disconnect the oil pump suction pipe from the oil pump screen.
  57. If 1st design, remove the oil pump screen from the front case half.
  58. If 1st design, remove the oil pump suction pipe from the oil pump inlet hole.

  59. Object Number: 1348893  Size: SH
  60. If 2nd design, remove the oil pump suction pipe assembly. Do not remove the screen from the pipe.

  61. Object Number: 701595  Size: SH
  62. Remove the oil pump assembly.

  63. Object Number: 163888  Size: SH
  64. Remove the oil pump suction pipe seal.

  65. Object Number: 701617  Size: SH
  66. Remove the drive sprocket retaining ring.

  67. Object Number: 701619  Size: SH
  68. Remove the driven sprocket retaining ring.

  69. Object Number: 163905  Size: SH

    Important: If the drive chain and sprockets are to be used again, mark the relationship of the drive chain to the sprockets for proper alignment of the wear pattern.

  70. Remove the drive chain and sprockets.

  71. Object Number: 701622  Size: SH
  72. Remove the rear output shaft assembly.
  73. Mount the rear output shaft in a soft-jaw vise with the input end up.

  74. Object Number: 1348894  Size: SH
  75. Remove the clutch retaining ring.

  76. Object Number: 801276  Size: SH
  77. If 1st design, remove the clutch pressure plate assembly.
  78. If 1st design, remove the clutch pressure plate spring.

  79. Object Number: 1348895  Size: SH
  80. If 2nd design, remove the clutch pressure plate assembly.
  81. If 2nd design, remove the clutch pressure plate spring.

  82. Object Number: 801280  Size: SH
  83. If 1st design, remove the clutch pressure plate bearing, with the clutch bearing inner support, from the clutch pressure plate.
  84. If necessary, remove the retaining ring from the clutch pressure plate.

  85. Object Number: 1348896  Size: SH
  86. If 2nd design, remove the clutch pressure plate bearing, with the clutch bearing inner support, from the clutch pressure plate.

  87. Object Number: 801281  Size: SH
  88. Inspect the bearing for being faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection .
  89. If the bearing is faulty, using a hydraulic press and a suitable adapter, remove the clutch pressure plate bearing from the clutch bearing inner support.
  90. Discard the bearing after removal.

  91. Object Number: 857310  Size: SH
  92. Remove the clutch hub retaining ring.

  93. Object Number: 801282  Size: SH
  94. Remove the clutch housing and hub assembly from the rear output shaft.
  95. Important: Do not remove the oil restrictor plate on the 2nd design clutch hub. The oil restrictor plate is only serviced with the clutch hub.

  96. 1st design, remove the clutch hub oil restrictor plate.

  97. Object Number: 801283  Size: SH
  98. Turn the clutch assembly over on a workbench.
  99. If 1st design, remove the clutch housing.
  100. If 1st design, remove the clutch hub.
  101. If 1st design, remove the clutch backing plate.

  102. Object Number: 1348897  Size: SH
  103. If 2nd design, remove the clutch housing.
  104. If 2nd design, remove the clutch hub.

  105. Object Number: 892510  Size: SH

    Important: Do not wash the clutch inner friction plates in cleaning solvent.

  106. Separate the clutch plates for inspection.
  107. Remove and discard the shim or shims.

  108. Object Number: 164507  Size: SH
  109. Remove the oil restrictor from the rear output shaft, if replacing the shaft.

  110. Object Number: 165429  Size: SH
  111. Inspect the bearing in the clutch housing for being faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection .
  112. If the bearing is faulty, use a brass drift and a hammer to remove the bearing.

  113. Object Number: 701623  Size: SH
  114. Remove both of the clutch lever pivot pins with washers and O-ring seals.

  115. Object Number: 164548  Size: SH
  116. Remove the shift detent spring bolt.
  117. Remove the following components:
  118. • The shift detent plunger plug O-ring seal
    • The shift detent spring
    • The shift detent plunger

    Object Number: 701627  Size: SH
  119. Remove the clutch lever assembly.

  120. Object Number: 701644  Size: SH

    Important: Do not scratch the oil seal surface of the input shaft with the retaining ring.

  121. Remove the input shaft retaining ring.

  122. Object Number: 701631  Size: SH
  123. Remove the input shaft bearing retaining ring.

  124. Object Number: 701634  Size: SH
  125. Remove the input shaft assembly.

  126. Object Number: 701640  Size: SH
  127. Remove the input shaft bearing. Do not use the bearing again after removal.

  128. Object Number: 164440  Size: SH
  129. Using a brass drift, remove the input gear pilot bearing. Do not use the bearing again after removal.

  130. Object Number: 701637  Size: SH

    Important: Do not scratch the oil seal surface on the front output shaft when removing the retaining ring.

  131. Remove the front output shaft retaining ring.

  132. Object Number: 701643  Size: SH
  133. Remove the front output shaft assembly.

  134. Object Number: 804190  Size: SH
  135. If damaged, remove the speed sensor reluctor wheel from the front output shaft using a hydraulic press. Do not use the speed sensor reluctor wheel again after removal.

  136. Object Number: 164528  Size: SH
  137. Remove the front output shaft bearing retaining ring.

  138. Object Number: 164524  Size: SH
  139. Remove the front output shaft bearing.

  140. Object Number: 801288  Size: SH
  141. Inspect the front output shaft rear bearing for being faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection .
  142. If the bearing is faulty, remove the bearing using the J 23907  (2) and the J 26941  (1).

  143. Object Number: 801289  Size: SH
  144. Remove the retaining ring for the control actuator lever shaft.

  145. Object Number: 801290  Size: SH
  146. Remove the control actuator lever shaft.
  147. Inspect the control actuator lever bearing and seal for being faulty. Refer to Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection .
  148. If the bearing is leaking or faulty, remove the bearing from the case.

  149. Object Number: 165657  Size: SH
  150. Remove the mounting studs, only if they are damaged.