GM 25967981
Axle Assembly, Rear

You must start Axle Shaft replacement of 9.5 and 9.75-inch axles by lifting the vehicle and wheel support followed by tire and wheel detachment. Start by removing the rear Wheel Speed Sensor when present followed by the brake rotor. You must first remove the rear axle housing cover together with its gasket followed by the pinion shaft locking bolt. The axles that lack a locking Differential need to have their pinion shaft removed. The shaft installation happens after removing part of it and adjusting the case position until the pinion shaft meets the housing. Use a screwdriver or similar tool to rotate the rear Axle Shaft lock while it aligns with the thrust block opening before pushing the Axle Shaft flange into the housing while maintaining the lock on the button end of the Axle Shaft without rotating the shaft to prevent misalignment. The rear axle housing installation requires Axle Shaft splines to align with Differential side gear splines before a gradual insertion of the Axle Shaft into the housing. Positions of locking Differential require a rear Axle Shaft lock to rest on the button end of the Axle Shaft while its ends remain level with the thrust block before you perform a flange push to lock the rear Axle Shaft inside the Differential side gear. Set the pinion shaft hole to match with its corresponding bolt hole in the Differential case before pinion shaft installation. Use a new pinion shaft locking bolt which should be tightened to 50 nm (37 lb ft) for the 9.5-inch axle whereas the 9.75-inch axle requires 27 nm (20 lb ft). Replace the rear axle housing cover with its gasket followed by the brake rotor and rear Wheel Speed Sensor depending on the vehicle equipment. Last, replace the tire while reattaching the wheel before filling the rear axle with appropriate fluid and letting the vehicle lower to the ground.

Detach the brake caliper mounting bracket, followed by the rear axle housing cover and gasket.