GM 26045426 Shaft,Rear Axle (LH)

Full-floating axleshafts are held in place by a hub-mounted flange that can be unbolted, allowing for removal of the axleshaft while the wheel remains in position.

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

Remove the bolts attaching the axleshaft flange to the hub, tap the flange with a soft-face hammer to loosen the shaft, grip the rib in the face of the flange with locking pliers, twist the shaft slightly in both directions, and withdraw it from the housing while placing a drip pan underneath to catch any leaking lubricant.

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.

Before removing the rear axle assembly, the following components need to be removed: driveshaft, shock absorbers, vent hose, brake hose, rear brake assemblies, parking brake cables, and rear wheel speed sensors.

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 initial steps are to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands.

The initial steps are to loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands.

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 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.

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.

Before installing the driveaxle, the splines on the stub shaft should be lubricated with multi-purpose grease.

To install the semi-floating axle shaft, you should insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, install the C-lock, and insert the pinion shaft.

Power is transmitted through a pair of driveaxles equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints capable of both angular and axial motion.

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.

To install a full-floating axle shaft, you should hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Finally, tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows:Loosen the wheel lug nuts.

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.

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

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 drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts should be removed while having an assistant apply the brake to prevent the driveaxle from turning.

The optional locking limited-slip rear axle slows the rotation of the differential case when one wheel loses traction.

No, overhauling the differential requires special tools and is not cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

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.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the differential carrier splash shield if equipped. Drain the lubricant from the front differential. For 4WD systems, unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange and support it out of the way. Remove the front axle shift motor and, if applicable, disconnect the front stabilizer link or remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly. On 2500/3500 models, remove the front axle bracket bolts and slide the bracket forward for additional clearance. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood.

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.