Differential Replacement

Differential Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Clean the rear axle housing with steam.

Important: Shift the two speed rear axle into LOW range, if equipped.


2. Block the wheels.
3. Remove the rear axle housing drain plug. Refer to Lubricant Change Service and Repair.
4. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order to select the correct procedure:

* One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement

5. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
6. Remove the shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HPZ) Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HPZ)Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HR2) Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HR2).




7. Remove the following components from the differential carrier assembly:

* The bolts
* The washers
* The stud nuts, if equipped
Do not remove the top two fasteners.

8. Support and secure the differential carrier assembly to a floor jack.

1. Remove the top two fasteners.
2. Remove the differential carrier assembly.

9. Clean the axle housing and the differential carrier assembly mating surfaces.
10. Clean the axle housing bowl interior using Engine Degreaser GM P/N 1050436 or the equivalent. Dry the housing bowl immediately with clean rags and compressed air.
11. Inspect the axle housing for the following conditions:

* Cracks
* Loose Studs
* Nicks
* Burrs

Installation Procedure

Important:
* Apply a diameter bead of silicone sealer completely around the rear axle housing differential carrier mating surface and around each threaded hole and stud.

* Install the differential carrier and fasteners within 20 minutes (before the silicone sealer sets).





1. Install the Silicone Sealer (RTV) GM P/N 1052366 or equivalent on the rear axle housing surface.
2. Install the differential carrier assembly.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Important:
* Ensure that the threads are clean and free of grease.

* Apply 272 Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 or equivalent to the threads of each differential carrier bolt.


3. Install the following differential carrier components:

* The washers
* The bolts
* The nuts, if equipped

Tighten the differential carrier bolts and nuts to the torques listed in Fastener Tightening Specifications Specifications.

4. Install the rear axle shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HPZ) Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HPZ)Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HR2) Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement (HR2).
5. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.
6. Install the propeller shaft.
7. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order to select the correct procedure:

* One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement
* Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement

8. Install the rear axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change Service and Repair.
9. Remove the wheel blocks.