GM 19300172 Rear Axle Drive Shaft

All types of axles are hypoid gears with cast carriers and pressed-in axle tubes and some of the models include limited slip or locking differentials for the improvement of tractive effort whenever one wheel has more tractive effort than the other. Two types of axleshafts are utilized: It has been categorised into two subgroups; the semi-floating and the full-floating. Semi-floating axleshafts also rest on the bearings inserted in the axle tube and are retained with the help of a C-clip on the outer end in the splines of the differential. On the other hand, full-floating axleshafts are those that are jointly incorporated into the differential spline at the inboard extremities and which are bolted at the outboard extremity to the wheel hub by a flange, which is removable, so that the axleshaft can be extracted while the wheel remains mounted.

To remove the rear axle, first raise the rear of the vehicle and support it with jackstands under the frame rails, then remove the rear wheels. Disconnect the driveshaft from the rear axle, the ABS sensor if equipped, and the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever. Unscrew the vent hose fitting to detach the brake line junction block from the axle tube, and disconnect the brake lines from the clips and brackets on the axle housing. If equipped, remove the rear brake calipers, ensuring to tie them up with wire to avoid strain on the flexible brake lines. Support the rear axle with a floor jack, using two jacks if the rear differential is offset. Remove the lower mounting bolts securing the rear shocks to the axle, then, while supporting the axle, remove the nuts and U-bolts securing the axle to the springs. Lower the axle assembly and remove it from under the vehicle. For installation, follow the reverse of the removal procedure, tightening the U-bolt nuts and caliper mounting bolts to the specified torque, and check and fill the axle with the appropriate lubricant if necessary.