GM 22968251 Rear Axle Assembly

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To install the rear axle assembly, the reverse order of removal should be followed. All suspension and brake fasteners should be tightened to the torque value specifications.

To install the semi-floating axle shaft, you should insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, install the C-lock, and insert the pinion shaft.

The inner ends of the driveaxles are bolted to an axleshaft connected to the differential side gears.

For models with a locking differential, you should rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks.

No, overhauling the differential requires special tools and is not cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

The optional locking limited-slip rear axle slows the rotation of the differential case when one wheel loses traction.

For coil spring models, the links for the electronic suspension control sensors should be detached, followed by detaching the track bar from the rear axle.

Symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include lubricant leaks, clicking noise in turns, clunk when accelerating after coasting, and vibration at highway speeds.

To remove and install components in the front differential for 4WD systems, follow these steps:Remove the bolts securing the axle tube to the differential carrier and the nuts attaching the tube to its support bracket.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the differential carrier splash shield if equipped. Drain the lubricant from the front differential. For 4WD systems, unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange and support it out of the way. Remove the front axle shift motor and, if applicable, disconnect the front stabilizer link or remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly. On 2500/3500 models, remove the front axle bracket bolts and slide the bracket forward for additional clearance. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood.

The initial steps are to loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands.

The final step is to tighten the wheel lug nuts to the proper torque specifications.

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly.

The next step is to drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential cover.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the differential carrier splash shield if equipped. Drain the lubricant from the front differential. For 4WD systems, unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange and support it out of the way. Remove the front axle shift motor and, if applicable, disconnect the front stabilizer link or remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly. On 2500/3500 models, remove the front axle bracket bolts and slide the bracket forward for additional clearance. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood.

For coil spring models, the links for the electronic suspension control sensors should be detached, followed by detaching the track bar from the rear axle. The stabilizer bar, coil springs, and upper and lower trailing arms should be disconnected from the axle assembly. Finally, the jack can be lowered under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly.

After raising the vehicle and securing it on jackstands, you should pry off the hub cover and remove the driveaxle/hub nut while bracing the hub to prevent it from rotating.

If a boot is damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire driveaxle assembly must be replaced as a unit.