Seals and Gaskets: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required
- J 26941 Axle Shaft Seal
- J 23907 Slide Hammer
- J 29039 Axle Shaft Inner Oil Seal Installer
- J 8092 Driver Handle





1. Raise the vehicle. Support the Vehicle with Safety Stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting Points.
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 Wheel Removal 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 Axle Shaft Replacement in Axle Shaft, Conventional Fixed/Floating.





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

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Install the new rear axle shaft inner oil seal (1) into the rear axle housing using J 29039 and J 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 Axle Shaft Replacement in Axle Shaft, Conventional Fixed/Floating.
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 Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Apply a coat of GM P/N 12346004, or the equivalent, to the threaded portion of the rear axle housing drain plug.





7. Install the rear axle housing drain plug (2) into the rear axle housing.
^ Tighten the rear axle housing drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

8. Rear the rear axle housing with approximately 2.2 liters (4.6 pints) of 8OW-90 GL5 lubricant GM P/N 12345977, 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 the rear axle housing oil level/filler plug to 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

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