GM 88982496
Axle Assembly

In order to replace rear Axle Shaft (8.6 Inch Axle W/RPO JL4) one should lift the vehicle and remove the tire and wheel assembly. Then, take off the brake caliper, rear cover, and the gasket. Following that, remove the pinion shaft locking bolt and pinion shaft. Push the flange of the Axle Shaft toward the Differential, tapping it with a soft-faced mallet if necessary to make room for the c-lock. Recoil the c-lock without turning the Axle Shaft from the button end of the Axle Shaft to make sure to align the gear. Pull the Axle Shaft away from the housing ; if it is hard to eliminate, then use j 45859 and j 2619-01 tools. In installation, carefully insert the Axle Shaft into the rear axle housing, so that the splines penetrate the Differential side gear, and tap the end with a soft-faced mallet if necessary to seat the wheel speed sensor ring. Install the lock on the end of the Axle Shaft near the button, and extend the shaft flange outwards in order to seat the lock on the Differential gear. Line up the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the Differential case and install a new pinion shaft locking bolt, torque at 36 n.m (27 lb ft). Replace the rear cover and the gasket, brake caliper, and tire and wheel assembly. Lastly, apply lubricant in the rear axle, then lower the vehicle.

The first step to replace the rear Axle Shaft or gasket requires vehicle elevation and wheel and tire removal. First remove the flange bolts from the shaft then strike the axle gently with a soft-faced hammer for loosening purposes. A simple twist motion using locking pliers on the Axle Shaft rib will separate it from its position. Extract the Axle Shaft before removing its gasket while you prepare the Axle Shaft flange and hub assembly outer surface for cleaning. Put the new gasket on the Axle Shaft before inserting the gasket combined with the Axle Shaft into the axle tube while achieving proper interaction of the shaft splines with differential side gear and lining up the bore holes between the hub and axle flange and gasket. We must install the axle flange bolts before applying 156 nm (115 lb ft) torque for the 10.5 inch axle while using 185 nm (136 lb ft) torque for the 11.5 inch axle. Reinstall the tire and wheel assembly before finishing with inspection and the possible addition of axle lubricant to the axle housing before lowering the vehicle.

Remove the pinion shaft partway and rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.

Use a screwdriver or similar tool to rotate the rear axle shaft lock until it aligns with the thrust block opening.

Remove the rear axle housing cover and gasket, then the pinion shaft locking bolt.

Place the C-lock on the button end of the axle shaft.

27 Nm (20 lb ft).

Raise the vehicle and remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Pull the shaft flange outward to seat the rear axle shaft lock.