GM 26059962
Axle Shaft, Rear

Adhering to replace a rear Axle Shaft it is essential to first lift and support the vehicle. First remove the rear tire wheel assembly and then proceed with removing the brake rotor and housing cover of the rear axle. The rear speed sensor reluctor wheel requires the installation of j 39446 abs exciter ring protector kit (J 39446) when non-traction control axles are present. The first step requires removing the differential case lock bolt from the pinion gear shaft before taking out the pinion gear itself. Insert the flanged end of the Axle Shaft into the rear axle housing to get access to the rear Axle Shaft lock then remove the lock while being cautious of not harming the rear wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel that is attached to the Axle Shaft. A replacement of the rear Axle Shaft should happen if the reluctor wheel suffers damage. Pull out the rear Axle Shaft from inside its housing of the rear axle. The process of installation requires inserting the rear Axle Shaft inside the housing so the splines will both avoid the wheel bearing seal damage and connect to the differential side gear splines. To properly install the rear Axle Shaft lock push the Axle Shaft toward the exterior while letting it rest into the differential side gear counterbore. Install the pinion gear shaft through the differential case while adding pinion gear thrust washers and pinion gears. Position the hole on the pinion gear shaft straight with the rear Axle Shaft lock bolt/screw opening found in the differential case. Prior to installing and tightening the pinion gear shaft lock bolt to 36 nm (27 ft. Lbs.), clean its threads and apply threadlocker gm us p/n 12345382 canada p/n 10953489 or equivalent. Standard rear axle vehicles should have the j 39446 removed from the speed sensor reluctor wheel followed by disposal of any new reluctor wheel plastic cover. Reposition the rear axle housing cover followed by rear brake rotor after which install rear tire and wheel assembly before lowering the vehicle.

If applicable, remove the J 39446 from the speed sensor reluctor wheel and discard any plastic covering if a new wheel was installed.