GM 26058079 Rear Axle Drive Shaft

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The rear axle assembly is a hypoid, semi-floating type with a differential that allows the outer rear tire to turn more quickly than the inner tire when the vehicle goes around a corner. The axle shafts are splined to the differential side gears, causing the inner tire to turn more slowly than the outer tire. The differential pinion gears roll around the slower side gear, driving the outer side gear and tire more quickly. The differential is housed within a casting with a pressed steel cover known as the "carrier," and the steel axle tubes are pressed into and welded to the carrier. On 4WD models, a fully independent front axle assembly is used, consisting of a differential and a pair of driveaxles with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints. An extension axleshaft is employed on the right side to make up the difference in distance between the differential and the right front wheel. An optional locking limited-slip rear axle is also available, which allows for normal operation until one wheel loses traction. This differential includes a pair of clutch "cones" that slow the rotation of the differential case when one wheel is on a firm surface and the other on a slippery one, equalizing the rotation speed of the axleshaft driving the wheel with traction. It is important to check for other possible causes before assuming the axle is the problem, as road noise, tire noise, and engine and transmission noise can be mistaken for axle issues. Overhauling the differential may require special tools and is not typically cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

The rear axle assembly is a hypoid, semi-floating type with a differential. Its purpose is to allow the outer rear tire to turn more quickly than the inner tire when the vehicle goes around a corner, ensuring smooth handling.

Rotate the differential until the pinion shaft touches the case, providing enough clearance for access to the C-locks. Use a screwdriver to rotate the C-lock until the open endpoints align, then push the axleshaft in and remove the C-lock. Repeat this process for the opposite axleshaft.

Lower the jack and remove the rear axle assembly from under the vehicle.

Remove the steering knuckle.

To remove the pinion shaft for conventional differentials, remove the lock bolt and pull out the pinion shaft.

Remove the brake drums.

Disconnect and compress the shock absorbers.

The initial steps for removing the rear differential are as follows: Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and brake drum. For vehicles with a locking differential, remove both rear wheels and brake drums.

Before assuming the axle is the problem, it is important to check for other possible causes. Road noise, tire noise, and engine and transmission noise can be mistaken for axle issues.

The optional locking limited-slip rear axle allows for normal operation until one wheel loses traction. This differential includes a pair of clutch "cones" that slow the rotation of the differential case when one wheel is on a firm surface and the other on a slippery one, equalizing the rotation speed of the axleshaft driving the wheel with traction.

Start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the wheel.

The driveaxles are retained by snap rings at the inner end of the tri-pot joints.

Carefully insert the axleshaft into the housing and seat it securely in the differential.

Bleed the brakes.

The driveaxles are retained by snap rings at the inner end of the tri-pot joints.