Rear Axle Removal

01 Tahoe · March 27, 2006

Struggling to see how to remove rear axles from 2001 Locking Differential.

The axle clips aren't jumping out at me.

Also, Haynes (which is of little help) says to remove pin shaft lock, but some other advice is not saying that.

Help!

GM-Tech · March 27, 2006

Rear Axle Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.

Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .

Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.

On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).

Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.

Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).

Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.

Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).

Installation Procedure

Important: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

Install the axle shaft (1) into the rear axle housing (5).

Slide the axle shaft (1) into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.

On axles without a locking differential, place the lock (4) on the button end of the axle shaft (1).

On axles with a locking differential, keep the pinion shaft partially withdrawn.

On axles with a locking differential, place the C-lock (1) on the axle shaft (3) so that the ends are flush with the thrust block (2).

Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the differential gear.

Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.

Tighten

• For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).

• For the 9.5 inch axle, tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Install the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .

Install the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.

Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Lower the vehicle.