Cadillac 15829993 Axle Assembly, Rear (4.10 Ratio)

To check for wear in the CV joints and driveaxle 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.

The inner end of the driveaxle should be lowered and pulled out of the hub, carefully guiding the driveaxle out from under the vehicle.

To remove a full-floating axle shaft, you need to remove the bolts attaching the flange to the hub and withdraw the shaft from the housing.

The final step is to tighten the wheel lug nuts to the proper torque specifications.

For models with a locking differential, you should rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks.

If a boot is damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire driveaxle assembly must be replaced as a unit.

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.

For coil spring models, the links for the electronic suspension control sensors should be detached, followed by detaching the track bar from the rear axle. The stabilizer bar, coil springs, and upper and lower trailing arms should be disconnected from the axle assembly. Finally, the jack can be lowered under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly.

To remove and install components in the front differential for 4WD systems, follow these steps: 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.

To remove and install components in the front differential for 4WD systems, follow these steps: 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.

After installing the rear axle assembly, the brakes should be bled, the wheels and lug nuts should be installed, and the vehicle should be lowered. Finally, the lug nuts should be tightened to the proper torque specification.

The vehicle has a hypoid, semi-floating type rear axle assembly.