To remove a semi-floating axleshaft, first loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and securely support it on jackstands while blocking the front wheels. Remove the wheel and brake disc or drum, then take off the differential cover and allow the lubricant to drain into a container. Next, remove the lock screw and, for models with a conventional differential, take out the pinion shaft. For models with a locking differential, withdraw the pinion shaft partway, rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks, and avoid turning the axleshafts afterward to prevent mispositioning of the spider gears. Have an assistant push in on the outer flanged end of the axleshaft while you remove the C-lock from the groove in the inner end of the shaft, ensuring that on models with a locking differential, the C-lock is positioned correctly before removal. Once the C-lock is removed, withdraw the axleshaft carefully to avoid damaging the oil seal, noting that it is advisable to replace the seal whenever the axleshaft is removed, and ensure any thrust washer in the differential does not fall out. For installation, insert the axleshaft into the housing and seat it securely in the differential, then install the C-lock in the axleshaft groove and pull out on the flange to lock it. Insert the pinion shaft, align the hole with the lock screw hole, and install the lock screw with a non-hardening, thread-locking compound applied to its threads before tightening it to the specified torque. Install the cover and fill the differential with the specified lubricant, then install the brake disc or drum, followed by the wheel and lug nuts, and lower the vehicle, tightening the lug nuts to the specified torque. For a full-floating axleshaft, remove the bolts attaching the axleshaft flange to the hub, tap the flange with a soft-face hammer to loosen the shaft, grip the rib in the face of the flange with locking pliers, twist the shaft slightly in both directions, and withdraw it from the housing while placing a drip pan underneath to catch any leaking lubricant. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring the axleshaft is held level to engage the splines at the inner end with those in the differential side gear, and always use a new gasket on the flange while keeping both the flange and hub mating surfaces free of grease and oil.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist 
