GM 20920667 Rear Axle Shaft

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The rear axle assembly of the vehicle is a hypoid, semi-floating type with a differential that allows the outer rear wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner tire when going around a corner. An optional locking limited-slip rear axle is also available, which slows the rotation of the differential case when one wheel loses traction. On 4WD models, a fully independent front axle assembly is used with an extension axle shaft on the right side to make up the difference in distance between the differential and the right front wheel. When diagnosing axle problems, it is important to check for other possible causes such as road or tire noise, and to isolate engine and transmission noises. Overhauling the differential requires special tools and is not cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

To remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems, first, loosen the wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel and 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 block of wood. Remove the bolts securing the axle tube to the differential carrier and the nuts attaching the tube to its support bracket. Carefully remove the output shaft tube, ensuring no components fall out. Mount the tube in a vise and remove the internal components. Measure and remove the axleshaft bearing using a slide hammer and bearing remover attachment. For installation, install the bearing to the original depth using a bearing driver or socket, then install a new seal and deflector, lubricating the seal lips with grease. Carefully drive in the axleshaft, followed by the internal components. Apply RTV sealant to the tube-to-differential housing mating surface, and install the tube assembly, tightening bolts and nuts to specified torques. Reinstall the driveaxle, front axle shift motor, and fill the differential with lubricant. For AWD systems, remove the stabilizer bar link and, if applicable, the front shock absorber. Unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange, supporting it properly. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood. Remove nuts attaching the axle shaft to its support bracket and the bolts securing the axle shaft flange to the differential carrier. Use a brass punch and hammer to separate the axle shaft from the differential case side gear. Remove the inner axle shaft assembly and axle shaft. Replace the inner seal and bearing with a special tool, then apply RTV sealant to the differential sealing surface and install the inner axle shaft housing assembly. Install the axle shaft to the support bracket and align the splines with the differential side gear. Tap the axle shaft with a mallet until the ring (clip) aligns with the groove in the differential case side gear. Install the axle shaft to the inner flange and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the stabilizer link, fill the differential with lubricant, install the differential carrier splash shield, and finally, install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, and check for proper operation.

To remove the rear axle assembly from a vehicle, first loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Then, position a jack under the rear axle differential housing and remove the driveshaft, shock absorbers, vent hose, brake hose, rear brake assemblies, parking brake cables, and rear wheel speed sensors. For leaf spring models, disconnect the spring U-bolts and remove the springplates before lowering the jack under the differential and removing the rear axle assembly. For coil spring models, detach the links for the electronic suspension control sensors, detach the track bar from the rear axle, remove the stabilizer bar, remove the coil springs, and disconnect the upper and lower trailing arms from the axle assembly before lowering the jack under the differential and removing the rear axle assembly. To install the rear axle assembly, follow the reverse order of removal and tighten all suspension and brake fasteners to the torque value specifications. Finally, bleed the brakes, install the wheels and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification.

The vehicle has a hypoid, semi-floating type rear axle assembly.

It is also important to check the driveaxle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

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.

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.

After installing the rear axle assembly, the brakes should be bled, the wheels and lug nuts should be installed, and the vehicle should be lowered. Finally, the lug nuts should be tightened to the proper torque specification.

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

To remove and install components in the front differential for AWD systems, follow these steps: Remove the stabilizer bar link and, if applicable, the front shock absorber. Unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange, supporting it properly. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood. Remove nuts attaching the axle shaft to its support bracket and the bolts securing the axle shaft flange to the differential carrier. Use a brass punch and hammer to separate the axle shaft from the differential case side gear. Remove the inner axle shaft assembly and axle shaft. Replace the inner seal and bearing with a special tool, then apply RTV sealant to the differential sealing surface and install the inner axle shaft housing assembly. Install the axle shaft to the support bracket and align the splines with the differential side gear. Tap the axle shaft with a mallet until the ring (clip) aligns with the groove in the differential case side gear. Install the axle shaft to the inner flange and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the stabilizer link, fill the differential with lubricant, install the differential carrier splash shield, and finally, install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, and check for proper operation.

The drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts should be removed while having an assistant apply the brake to prevent the driveaxle from turning.

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

To remove and install components in the front differential for AWD systems, follow these steps: Remove the stabilizer bar link and, if applicable, the front shock absorber. Unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange, supporting it properly. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood. Remove nuts attaching the axle shaft to its support bracket and the bolts securing the axle shaft flange to the differential carrier. Use a brass punch and hammer to separate the axle shaft from the differential case side gear. Remove the inner axle shaft assembly and axle shaft. Replace the inner seal and bearing with a special tool, then apply RTV sealant to the differential sealing surface and install the inner axle shaft housing assembly. Install the axle shaft to the support bracket and align the splines with the differential side gear. Tap the axle shaft with a mallet until the ring (clip) aligns with the groove in the differential case side gear. Install the axle shaft to the inner flange and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the stabilizer link, fill the differential with lubricant, install the differential carrier splash shield, and finally, install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, and check for proper operation.

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

Before installing the driveaxle, the splines on the stub shaft should be lubricated with multi-purpose grease.

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

When diagnosing axle problems, it is important to check for other possible causes such as road or tire noise, and to isolate engine and transmission noises.

The outer ends of the driveaxles have a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut.

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

The drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts should be removed while having an assistant apply the brake to prevent the driveaxle from turning.

Before removing the rear axle assembly, the following components need to be removed: driveshaft, shock absorbers, vent hose, brake hose, rear brake assemblies, parking brake cables, and rear wheel speed sensors.

The outer ends of the driveaxles are equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints capable of angular but not axial movement.

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

When diagnosing axle problems, it is important to check for other possible causes such as road or tire noise, and to isolate engine and transmission noises.