Tools Required

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the Vehicle with Safety Stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the rear axle housing.



3. Remove the axle housing oil level/filler plug (1) from the rear axle housing.
4. Remove the rear axle drain plug (2) from the rear axle housing.
5. Drain the rear axle housing.
6. Remove the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
7. Remove the rear brake drum from the rear axle. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement in Drum Brakes.
8. Remove the axle shaft from the rear axle housing. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .



9. Remove the rear axle shaft inner oil seal (1) from the rear axle housing using theJ 26941 and the J 23907 .
10. Inspect the rear axle inner oil seal protector for damage. Replace as necessary.

1. Install the new rear axle shaft inner oil seal (1) into the rear axle housing using theJ 29039 and theJ 8092 .
2. Apply a coat of wheel bearing lubricant GM P/N 1051344, or the equivalent, to the new rear axle shaft inner oil seal lip.
3. Install the rear axle shaft into the rear axle housing. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
4. Install the brake drum to the rear axle. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement in Drum Brakes.
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Apply a coat of GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or the equivalent, to the threaded portion of the rear axle housing drain plug.




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.

7. Install the rear axle housing drain plug (2) into the rear axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing drain plug to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

8. Rear the rear axle housing with approximately 2.2 liters (4.6 pints) of 80W-90 GL5 lubricant GM P/N 12345977 (Canadian P/N 10953482), or the equivalent. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the rear axle housing level/filler plug hole.
9. Install the rear axle housing oil level/filler plug into the rear axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing oil level/filler plug to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).

10. Remove the drain pan from underneath the rear axle housing.
11. Lower the vehicle.