FixVault
Home › Pontiac › 2001 › Aztek Base, AWD › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 872 (Rear Drive Axle) › Repair Instructions › Differential Replacement › Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to DRIVE PINION AND RING GEAR REPLACEMENT  .
    Fig 1: Installing Ring Gear
    G01468162Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARINGS REPLACEMENT  .
  3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
  4. Place the case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.

    Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.

  5. Install the bearing caps and the bolts.

    Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.

  6. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT  .
  7. Adjust the backlash. Refer to BACKLASH ADJUSTMENT  .
  8. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERN INSPECTION  .
    Fig 2: Installing Bearing Caps And Bolts
    G01468163Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  9. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).

  10. Install the axle shafts. Refer to REAR AXLE SHAFT REPLACEMENT  .
  11. Install the rear axle housing cover and a new gasket. Refer to REAR AXLE HOUSING COVER AND GASKET REPLACEMENT  .
  12. Install the brake drums, if equipped. Refer to BRAKE DRUM in Drum Brakes.
  13. Install the brake rotors, if equipped. Refer to BRAKE ROTOR -- REAR in Disc Brakes.
  14. Install the brake calipers, if equipped. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER -- REAR in Disc Brakes.
  15. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations   in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
About FixVault