GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2009 🢒 XLR 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Assemble

Special Tool

    • DT-48007 Spline Holder
    • J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
    • J 42155 Getrag Axle Differential Housing Lifting Tool
    • J-42173-A Differential Holding Fixture
    • J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

    Object Number: 1041985 Size: SH

    Note: If the pinion assembly components have not been replaced, use the original pinion housing shims again. If the pinion assembly components have been replaced, refer to Drive Pinion Shim Selection for selection of the proper size shims.

  1. Assemble the drive pinion prior to rear axle assembly. Refer to Drive Pinion Assemble.
  2. Using the J 46405 , install the oil seal into the left cover.
  3. Using the J 46405 , install the oil seal into the right cover.

    4. Object Number: 1041725 Size: SH
  4. Install the pinion housing assembly (4) and the selected shim or shims (19) to the differential housing. Refer to Drive Pinion Shim Selection for shim selection.

    5. The use of M8 x 1.25 dowels or long bolts will ease in pinion housing/cage and shim installation and alignment.

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1041716 Size: SH
  5. Install the pinion housing/cage bolts (7) and tighten to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

    6. Object Number: 1041708 Size: SH
  6. Install the J 42155 into the groove of the output shaft in order to install the differential case assembly.

    7. Object Number: 1041663 Size: SH
  7. Install the C-clip (115) into the groove of the output shaft.

    8. Object Number: 1041989 Size: SH
  8. Install the O-ring (9) on the right cover (3) and the dowel (10) into the carrier.
  9. Install the right cover and bolts (7) and tighten to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

    10. Object Number: 732188 Size: MH
  10. Install the J 8001 onto the transmission stud. Position the tip of the dial indicator against the center of the ring gear tooth surface.

    11. Object Number: 1041990 Size: SH
  11. Install the DT-48007 into the splines of the pinion. You must hold the DT-48007 to retain the pinion in order to properly measure backlash.

    12. Object Number: 1491727 Size: SH
  12. Move the right output shaft in both directions in order to measure the gear backlash. Measure the backlash in 2-3 locations at the ring gear teeth while holding the pinion shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Specifications .

    13. Object Number: 1698801 Size: SH

    Note: Note the location of the rear cover bolt for assembly.

  13. Install the rear cover (5), bolt (16), and gasket (17) and tighten to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

    14. Object Number: 1041560 Size: SH
  14. Remove the bolts (3) and the differential assembly (1) from the J-42173-A  (2).

    15. Object Number: 1041550 Size: SH
  15. Install the O-ring (9) on the left cover (2).
  16. Install the magnet (15) and dowel (10) to the carrier.
  17. Install the left cover (2) and bolts (7) and tighten to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

    18. Object Number: 1696781 Size: SH
  18. Install the drain plug and washer (25) and tighten to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).
  19. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement.