Cadillac 15830061 Axle Assembly, Rear (4.10 Ratio)

To install a full-floating axle shaft, you should hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Finally, tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.

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.

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.

If the vehicle has a differential carrier splash shield, it should be removed after removing the driveaxle/hub nut.

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.

For leaf spring models, the spring U-bolts should be disconnected, followed by removing the springplates. Then, the jack can be lowered under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly.

The differential allows the outer rear wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner tire when going around a corner.

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.

For leaf spring models, the spring U-bolts should be disconnected, followed by removing the springplates. Then, the jack can be lowered under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly.

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

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

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