GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove battery tray. Refer to Battery Tray Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove the right side wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.

  4. Object Number: 6834  Size: SH
  5. Remove the wire from the indicator switch.
  6. Remove the cable housing and the shift spring.
  7. Remove the bolts, the nuts, and the washers from the axle tube.
  8. Remove the remaining 2 axle shaft upper bolts.
  9. Important: Do not allow the following components to fall out of the carrier assembly or become damaged:

       • The thrust washers
       • The carrier connector
       • The shift fork assembly
       • The sleeve
       • The output shaft

  10. Remove the axle shaft and the tube by working the shaft and the tube around the drive axle.

Disassembly Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 23907 Slide Hammer
    • J 29369-2 Bushing/Bearing Remover Kit
  1. Remove the axle shaft.
  2. 1.1. Hold the tube in a vise by the mounting flange.
    1.2. Tap out the shaft using a soft mallet.
  3. Remove the shaft seal using a seal removal tool.

  4. Object Number: 322813  Size: SH
  5. Remove the bearing using the J 29369-2 and the J 23907 .
  6. Remove the shift cable housing seal. Drive out the seal using a punch.
  7. Remove the retaining ring and the output shaft.

Assembly Procedure

    • J 33799 Shift Cable Housing Seal Installer
    • J 33844 Axle Tube Bearing Installer
    • J 23911 Shaft Seal Installer
  1. Install the output shaft and the retaining ring.

  2. Object Number: 7795  Size: SH
  3. Install the shaft seal using the J 33799 .
  4. Install the shaft bearing using the J 33844 .
  5. The bearing is installed to the proper depth when the tool is flush with the tube end.

  6. Lubricate the bearing using axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.

  7. Object Number: 321864  Size: SH
  8. Install the seal with the J 23911 . Drive in the seal until the seal flange is flush with the tube end.
  9. Install the axle shaft.
  10. Clean the sealing surfaces of the tube and carrier assembly using a suitable solvent.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 33798 Hub Engagement Tool

  1. Apply a bead of sealer to the carrier sealing surface.
  2. Ensure that the following components are in place in the carrier assembly:
  3. • The washer
    • The output shaft
    • The sleeve
    • The thrust washer
    • The carrier connector
    • The shift fork assembly
    • The shifter spring

    Object Number: 7797  Size: SH
  4. Install the thrust washer to the tube as shown. Use grease in order to hold the washer in place.
  5. Install the shaft and tube assembly to the carrier.
  6. Install the shaft tube bolt at the 1 o'clock position. Tighten the bolt finger tight.
  7. Pull the shaft and tube assembly down in order to install the remaining bolts.

  8. Object Number: 6834  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Install the bolts, the washers, and the nuts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 98 N·m (72 lb ft).


    Object Number: 382657  Size: SH
  11. Inspect the operation of the shift mechanism. Use the J 33798 . Insert the tool into the shift fork. Inspect for rotation of the axle shaft.
  12. Connect the wire to the shift indicator switch.
  13. Install the right side wheel drive axle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  14. Inspect the axle lubricant level and add as needed. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubrication Specifications .
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Install the battery tray. Refer to Battery Tray Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  17. Install the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.