Genuine GMC Sierra Axle Shaft

GMC Sierra Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Answers

• Axle Assembly, Rear
  22874936
  Q: How to remove and install a rear axle assembly on Chevrolet Avalanche,Silverado,Suburban,Tahoe,GMC Sierra,Yukon,Yukon Denali and Yukon XL?

  A: 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.
• Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft
  20768561
  Q: What is the function of the driveaxles equipped with sliding constant velocity joints in transmitting power from the front differential/axle to the front wheels for Chevrolet Avalanche,Silverado,Suburban,Tahoe,GMC Sierra,Yukon,Yukon Denali and Yukon XL?

  A: Power is transmitted from the front Differential/axle to the front wheels through a pair of axle shafts equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints capable of both angular and axial motion. The inner ends of the axle shafts are bolted to an axleshaft connected to the differential side gears, while the outer ends have a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut. The outer ends of the axle shafts are equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints capable of angular but not axial movement. It is important to inspect the boots periodically for damage and leaking lubricant, as torn CV joint boots must be replaced immediately to prevent damage to the joints. If a boot is damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire axle shaft assembly must be replaced as a unit. 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 check for wear in the CV joints and axle shafts, grasp each axle and rotate it in both directions while holding the CV joint housings, feeling for play indicating worn splines or sloppy CV joints. It is also important to check the axle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.
• Front Drive Axle Clutch Shaft Assembly
  19121908
  Q: How to remove a semi-floating axle shaft for Chevrolet Avalanche,Silverado,Suburban,Tahoe,GMC Sierra,Yukon,Yukon Denali and Yukon XL?

  A: To remove a semi-floating axle shaft, first loosen the rear wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle on jackstands. Drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential cover. Remove the pinion shaft lock screw and withdraw the pinion shaft. For models with a locking differential, rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks. Remove the C-lock from the groove on the inner end of the axleshaft and withdraw the shaft, being careful not to damage the oil seal. To install, insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, install the C-lock, and insert the pinion shaft. Install the cover, fill the differential with lubricant, and install the brake disc or drum. For a full-floating axle shaft, remove the bolts attaching the flange to the hub and withdraw the shaft from the housing. To install, hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.
• Axle Assembly, Rear (3.73 Ratio)
  15830031
  Q: What is the description of the rear axle assembly and differential in Chevrolet Avalanche,Silverado,Suburban,Tahoe,GMC Sierra,Yukon,Yukon Denali and Yukon XL?

  A: 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.
• Axle Assembly, Rear (3.73 Ratio)
  15815724
  Q: How do you remove a driveaxle on 4WD Chevrolet Avalanche,Silverado,Suburban,Tahoe,GMC Sierra,Yukon,Yukon Denali and Yukon XL?

  A: Loosen the wheel lug nuts before removing the axle shaft of a vehicle. Start by loosening the wheel lug nuts, driving it up to jack stands, and securely supporting it on jackstands. Pry off the hub cover and remove the axle shaft/hub nut, bracing the hub to prevent it from rotating. Remove differential carrier splash shield if equipped and then remove axle shaft-to-axle shaft flange bolts (while having an assistant apply the brake to stop axle shaft from turning). Drop inner end of axle shaft low enough in order to pull stub shaft out of hub, guiding carefully under car as you take out entire axle shaft with other hand. To install an axle shaft , lubricate splines on stubshaft with multipurpose grease then tighten axleshaft/ hub nut (new) and flange bolts according to specified torque values. Then finally fasten wheels using appropriate torque specification for lug nuts.
• Front Drive Axle Clutch Shaft Assembly
  19121909
  Q: How do you remove and install right Axle Shaft,Shift Fork and Wheel Bearing on 4WD and AWD Chevrolet Avalanche,Silverado,Suburban,Tahoe,GMC Sierra,Yukon,Yukon Denali and Yukon XL?

  A: 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.