GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2009 🢒 VUE - AWD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Differential Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Drain the rear differential, if needed. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement.
  3. Remove the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement.
  4. Remove the rear wheel drive shafts. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
  5. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  6. Support the rear differential with a transmission jack stand.

    7. Object Number: 1759193 Size: SH
  7. Remove the rear differential support bushing bolts.

    8. Object Number: 1759189 Size: SH
  8. Remove the front mounting nuts for the rear differential (3).
  9. Lower the rear differential to gain access rear differential clutch control module.
  10. Remove the small electrical connector from the control module (1).
  11. Remove the large electrical connector from the control module (2).

    12. Object Number: 1759196 Size: SH
  12. Remove the rear differential assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1759196 Size: SH

    Note: When positioning the rear differential assembly in the rear cradle, leave enough room to access the clutch control module.

  1. Position the rear differential assembly in the rear cradle.

    2. Object Number: 1759189 Size: SH
  2. Install the small electrical connector (1).
  3. Install the large electrical connector (2).

    4. Note: When installing the front mounting bolts tighten by hand.

  4. Install the front mounting nuts (3).

    5. Object Number: 1759193 Size: SH
  5. Install the rear differential support bushing bolts.
  6. Raise the rear differential assembly into place.

    7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  7. Tighten the front mounting nuts. Tighten the nuts to 122 N·m (90 lb ft).
  8. Tighten the rear differential support bushing bolts. Tighten the nuts to 188 N·m (139 lb ft).
  9. Remove the transmission jack stand.
  10. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  11. Install the rear wheel drive shafts. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
  12. Install the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement.
  13. Fill the rear differential assembly with fluid, if drained. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement.
  14. Lower the vehicle.