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Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. If reusing the wheel drive shaft remove and discard the wheel drive shaft retaining ring. The wheel drive shaft retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the inner tripod housing.
  2. Install the new wheel drive shaft retaining ring. The wheel drive shaft retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the inner tripod housing.
    NOTE: J-44394 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install J-44394 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.
  3. If previously removed carefully install J 44394  into the left differential output shaft seal. See Special Tools and Equipment .
    Fig 1: Installing J 44394 Into Left Differential Output Shaft Seal
    G02087658Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  In order to prevent lubricant leaks, use care when installing the wheel drive shaft to the differential. Do not damage the oil seal. Replace the oil seal if it becomes nicked, distorted, or is otherwise damaged.

  4. With the differential firmly attached to the jack, raise the differential while carefully installing the left wheel drive shaft into the differential until the splines are past the J 44394  . See Special Tools and Equipment .
  5. Carefully remove the J 44394  from the differential. See Special Tools and Equipment .
    Fig 2: Removing J 44394 From Differential
    G02087659Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Carefully remove J 44394  from the left wheel drive shaft. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  7. Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the retaining ring is engaged.
  8. Ensure the wheel drive shaft retaining ring is fully engaged. To the differential by grasping the inner housing and pulling outward. The wheel drive shaft will stay positively engaged if properly installed to the differential.
    Fig 3: Installing Wheel Drive Shaft Into Differential
    G02087660Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the front differential to support mounting bolt (1) in order to locate the differential to the rear support.
  10. Hand install the nut to the bolt.
    Fig 4: Front Differential To Support Mounting Bolt
    G02087661Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. With the differential firmly attached to the jack, raise the differential to the rear support.
  12. Position the differential to the support.
    Fig 5: Positioning Differential To Support
    G02087662Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Hand install the left rear differential to support mounting bolt (1).
    Fig 6: Left Rear Differential To Support Mounting Bolt
    G02087663Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  14. Hand install the right rear differential to support mounting bolt (1).

    Tighten 

    • Tighten the rear differential to support mounting bolts to 175 N.m (129 lb ft).
    • Tighten the front differential to support mounting bolt 175 N.m (129 Ib. ft).
      Fig 7: Right Rear Differential To Support Mounting Bolt
      G02087664Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Remove the transmission jack.
  16. Install propeller shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Propeller Shaft.
  17. Install the right wheel drive shaft. Refer to AXLE SHAFT .
  18. Install the right rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to LUBRICANT LEVEL INSPECTION - REAR DRIVE AXLE 
  20. Lower the vehicle.
    Fig 8: Installing Right Wheel Drive Shaft
    G02087665Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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