Seals and Gaskets: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 28712 Drive Axle Boot Protectors

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the transaxle fluid pan.





3. Remove the transaxle drain plug (1) from the transaxle fluid pan (3) and drain the fluid into the drain pan or suitable container.
4. Install J 28712 to the wheel-side and differential-side joints of the drive axle.
5. Remove the drive axle assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shafts Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
6. Remove the drive axle shaft fluid seal from the transaxle.
7. Inspect the differential-side joint surface of the drive axle assembly where the drive axle makes contact with the drive axle shaft fluid seal.
The surface should be smooth and free of any burrs or scarring which may damage the drive axle shaft fluid seal.
If damage to the differential-side joint is evident, replace the differential-side joint.

Installation Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 35538 Axle Shaft Seal Installer
- J 28712 Drive Axle Boot Protector





1. Install the new drive axle shaft fluid seal into the transaxle using the J 35538.
2. Install the drive axle assembly into the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shafts Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
3. Remove the J 28712 from the wheel-side and differential-side joints of the drive axle.
4. Apply GM P/N 12346004, or the equivalent, to the threaded portion of the transaxle drain plug.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

5. Install the transaxle drain plug into the transaxle fluid pan.
Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Refill the transaxle, as necessary. Refer to Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure.