Chevrolet 22943112 Rear Axle Shaft

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.

To check for wear, one can grasp each axle individually and rotate it in both directions while holding the CV joint housings. This allows the person to feel for play that indicates worn splines or sloppy joints. Additionally, it is important to inspect the driveaxle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

For installation, use a new hub nut and lubricate the splines on the stub shaft with multi-purpose grease before reversing the removal steps.

Insert the pinion shaft, align it with the lock screw hole, and install the lock screw with a non-hardening thread-locking compound before tightening it.

The first step is to release the parking brake tension.

Remove the differential carrier splash shield and drain the lubricant from the front differential.

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

Lower the axle assembly and remove it from under the vehicle.

Some models are equipped with limited slip or locking differentials to enhance traction when one wheel has more grip than the other.

In 4WD models, an extension axle shaft is used on the right side to make up the difference in distance between the differential and the right front wheel.

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.

It is also important to check the driveaxle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

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.