Tools Required

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Place a drain pan under the rear axle housing.



3. Remove the oil filler plug (1) from the rear axle housing.
4. Remove the drain plug (2) and drain the oil from the rear axle housing.
5. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .



7. Remove the 4 nuts (4, 6) from the rear axle shaft bearing retainer studs.
8. If the vehicle has ABS, disconnect the wheel speed sensor (5) and position the sensor to the side.



9. Use the J 34866 and the J 2619-01 in order to remove the rear axle shaft (1) and the bearing from the rear axle housing.
10. Remove the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement .
11. Remove the wheel cylinder. Refer to Wheel Cylinder Replacement .
12. Squeeze the stopper ring in order to remove the park brake cable from the backing plate.
13. Remove the backing plate from the rear axle housing.
14. Clean the mating surface of the rear axle shaft housing.
15. Clean the mating surface of the rear axle shaft bearing retainer.

1. Apply General Motors Sealer, GM P/N 1052366 (Canadian P/N 88900041), or equivalent, to the mating surface of the rear axle housing (1).
2. Install the backing plate to the rear axle housing. Align the holes for the rear axle shaft retainer studs.
3. Install the park brake cable to the backing plate.
4. Install the wheel cylinder. Refer to Wheel Cylinder Replacement .
5. Install the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement .
6. Apply General Motors Sealer, GM P/N 1052366 (Canadian P/N 88900041), or equivalent, to the mating surface of the rear axle shaft bearing retainer.

Important: The rear axle shafts are different lengths.

7. Install the rear axle shaft and the bearing into the rear axle housing. Ensure the rear axle shaft bearing is firmly seated in the rear axle housing.




Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

8. Install the 4 nuts (4, 6) in order to retain the rear axle shaft to the rear axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

9. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement .
10. If the vehicle has ABS, install the wheel speed sensor (5).
11. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
12. Apply Teflon Pipe Sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent, to the threaded portion of the rear axle housing drain plug.
13. Install the drain plug to the rear axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten drain plug to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

14. Refill the rear axle housing with approximately 2.2 liters (4.6 pints) of 80W-90 GL5 lubricant, GM P/N 12345977 (Canadian P/N 10953482), or equivalent. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the filler plug hole.
15. Install the filler plug (1) to the rear axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten the filler plug to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).

16. Remove the drain pan.
17. Lower the vehicle.