Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
- Support the rear end of the vehicle with jack or utility stands.
- Remove the engine protection shield. Refer to
Engine Protection Shield Replacement.
- Remove the catalytic converter guard. Refer to
Catalytic Converter Guard Replacement.
- Drain the front drive axle. Refer to
Front Axle Lubricant Replacement.
- Disconnect the front propeller shaft from the differential carrier assembly. Refer to
Front Propeller Shaft Replacement.
- Remove the wheel drive shafts from the differential carrier assembly and secure out of the way. Refer to
Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
- Disconnect the vent hose (1) from the differential carrier assembly (2).
- Remove the lower control arm crossmember. Refer to
Crossmember Replacement.
- Attach a transmission jack to the differential carrier assembly.
- Remove the differential carrier assembly left side axle mount bolt and nut.
- Remove the differential carrier assembly right side axle mount bolt and nut.
- Remove the differential carrier assembly from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Install the differential carrier assembly to the vehicle.
- Perform the following procedure before installing the axle mounting bolts.
2.1. | Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. |
2.2. | Clean the threads of the bolt with brake parts cleaner or the equivalent and allow to dry. |
2.3. | Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) to the threads of the bolt. |
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.
- Install the differential carrier assembly right side axle mount bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 100 N·m (75 lb ft).
- Install the differential carrier assembly left side axle mount bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 100 N·m (75 lb ft).
- Remove the transmission jack.
- Install the lower control arm crossmember. Refer to
Crossmember Replacement.
- Connect the vent hose (1) to the differential carrier case assembly (2).
- Install the wheel drive shafts. Refer to
Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
- Install the front propeller shaft to the differential carrier assembly. Refer to
Front Propeller Shaft Replacement.
- Inspect the lubricant level and add, if necessary. Refer to
Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection.
- Install the catalytic converter guard. Refer to
Catalytic Converter Guard Replacement.
- Install the engine protection shield. Refer to
Engine Protection Shield Replacement.
- Remove the jack or utility stands.
- Lower the vehicle.