Buick 26014038 Cv Axle Shaft

For standard differentials, it's advisable to use GL-5 hypoid-type gear oil such as SAE 80W or SAE 80W/90. However, for positraction/limited slip differentials, GM recommends a specialized lubricant designed explicitly for these units, typically available at Buick parts departments, due to the unique requirements of limited slip differentials with clutch packs. Regularly checking the oil level in the differential is crucial, ideally performed at each engine oil change or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Park the vehicle on a level surface, position a drain pan beneath the filler plug on the front of the differential carrier, and clean the plug and its surroundings. Remove the filler plug, and if the lubricant starts to flow out, the differential is adequately filled. If not, carefully insert a finger to ensure the oil level reaches the filler hole and add oil if necessary. Replace and snugly tighten the plug. When draining and refilling the rear axle lubricant, use a suitable gasket to seal the axle housing cover. There's no fixed interval for changing the rear axle lubricant, but it's recommended when purchasing a used vehicle or if it's been exposed to high water levels. Follow these steps: park on a level surface, set the parking brake, place a drain pan underneath, remove the filler plug, take off the axle cover, drain the fluid, clean the cover, seal both sides of a new gasket with sealant, reinstall the cover with a crisscross tightening pattern, refill the axle with the recommended fluid, replace and snugly tighten the filler plug, check for leaks after a short drive.

For added safety during these operations, it is wise to secure the coil springs to the axle housing with a chain. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on stands placed under the body frame rails. Position an adjustable floor jack under the differential housing and just take up the weight. Do not raise sufficiently to take the weight of the vehicle from the frame stands. Disconnect the lower shock absorber mountings. Remove the driveshaft. Remove the rear wheels and brake drums. If difficulty is experienced in removing the brake drums, disconnect the hydraulic brake lines from their clips on the axle housing. Unbolt and remove the differential cover, allowing the fluid to drain into a suitable container. Remove the axleshafts. Depending on axle type, unbolt the brake backing plates, carefully withdraw the brake assemblies and wire them up to the frame without bending the hydraulic pipes or disconnecting them. Disconnect the control arms from the axle housing and slowly lower the axle assembly. Withdraw the axle assembly from under the vehicle. Installation is a reversal of removal but tighten all suspension bolts and nuts to the specified torque. Fill the axle assembly with the proper grade and amount of lubricant.

The axle identification number is stamped on the front of the passenger side axle tube next to the differential carrier, except for models with an Eighth and One-half in. ring gear, which have the ID on a tag under one of the differential rear cover bolts.

To remove the bearing from the axleshaft, hold the axleshaft in the jaws of a vise so that the bearing retainer ring rests on the edges of the jaws.

After removing the wheel and brake drum, the pressed steel cover from the differential carrier should be unscrewed and removed, allowing the oil to drain into a suitable container.