GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1999 🢒 Savana 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-1367313) at the front end of the vehicle.
  3. Support the rear axle with jack stands.
  4. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies from the rear axle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires And Wheels.
  5. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  6. Disconnect the park brake cables. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement in Park Brake.
  7. Drain the lubricant from axle.
  8. Remove the rear axle vent hose from the axle.
  9. Disconnect the rear brake lines from the axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  10. Disconnect the lower portion of the shock absorber from the axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  11. Remove the rear spring U-bolts, the rear spring anchor plates and the rear spring spacers from the vehicle. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  12. Remove the rear axle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly.

  1. Install the rear axle to the vehicle.
  2. Install the rear spring U-bolts, the rear spring anchor plates and the rear spring spacers to the vehicle. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  3. Connect the lower portion of the shock absorber to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  4. Connect the rear brake lines to the axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  5. Install the rear axle vent hose to the axle.
  6. Connect the park brake cable to the rear axle. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement in Park Brake.
  7. Install the propeller shaft to the vehicle. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  8. Install the wheel and tire assemblies to the rear axle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Fill the rear axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  10. Remove the supports from the rear axle.
  11. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.