GM 25869922 AXLE

Symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include lubricant leaks, clicking noise in turns, clunk when accelerating after coasting, and vibration at highway speeds.

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.

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.

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 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.

After raising the vehicle and supporting it on jackstands, a jack should be positioned under the rear axle differential housing.

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

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

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 outer ends of the driveaxles have a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut.

For leaf spring models, the spring U-bolts should be disconnected, followed by removing the springplates. Then, the jack can be lowered under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly.