Chevrolet 15081151 AXLE

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To remove the axle shaft, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the wheel and use a prybar or large screwdriver to hold the axle shaft while breaking loose the axle shaft hub nut with a large breaker bar. Remove the nut and washer. Next, hold the axle shaft in place and remove the axle shaft flange bolts, making sure to mark the relationship of the inner CV joint to the flange before removing the bolts. For 1999 and later models, the axle shafts are not flanged to the differential, but are retained by snap rings at the inner end of the tri-pot joints. To release the axle shafts, hit the inner part of the tri-pot housing with a hammer and a piece of wood until the snap-ring releases. Remove the steering knuckle and then remove the axle shaft assembly. To install, simply reverse the removal steps, making sure to tighten the axle shaft hub nut and CV joint flange bolts to the specified torque.

To remove the rear differential, start by raising the rear of the vehicle and supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and brake drum. If the vehicle has a locking differential, remove both rear wheels and brake drums. Next, remove the differential cover and allow the lubricant to drain into a container. For conventional differentials, remove the lock bolt and pull out the pinion shaft. Have an assistant push in on the outer flanged end of the axle shaft while you remove the C-lock from the groove in the inner end of the shaft. For locking differentials, rotate the differential for access and support the pinion shaft to prevent it from falling into the case. Remove the lock bolt and withdraw the pinion shaft part-way. Rotate the differential until the 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. With the C-lock removed, carefully withdraw the axleshaft, being careful not to damage the oil seal. Some models may have a thrust washer in the differential, so make sure it doesn't fall out when removing the axleshaft. To install, carefully insert the axleshaft into the housing and seat it securely in the differential. For conventional differentials, install the C-lock in the axleshaft groove and pull out on the flange to lock it. Insert the pinion shaft, align the hole in the shaft with the lock bolt hole, and install the lock bolt. For locking differentials, install the C-locks with the pinion shaft partially withdrawn, ensuring they are positioned correctly. Withdraw the axleshaft carefully until the C-lock clears the thrust block. Once the C-locks are installed, push the pinion shaft into place with the groove lined up with the lock bolt hole, then install the lock bolt. Finally, install the differential cover and fill it with the specified lubricant. Install the brake drums and wheels, and lower the vehicle.

The differential is housed within a casting known as the "carrier," which has a pressed steel cover. The steel axle tubes are pressed into and welded to the carrier.

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

Hit the inner part of the tri-pot housing with a hammer and a piece of wood until the snap-ring releases.

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly consisting of a differential and a pair of drive axles with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints. An extension axleshaft is employed on the right side to compensate for the distance difference between the differential and the right front wheel.

For locking differentials, install the C-locks with the pinion shaft partially withdrawn, ensuring they are positioned correctly. Withdraw the axleshaft carefully until the C-lock clears the thrust block. Once the C-locks are installed, push the pinion shaft into place with the groove lined up with the lock bolt hole, then install the lock bolt.

Remove the spacers and clamp plates.