Blazer 2WD V6-4.3L VIN X (2004)
Differential Axle Housing: Service and Repair
Rear Axle Housing Replacement
Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-B67313) at the front of the vehicle.
3. Support the rear axle housing in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
4. Remove the rear tires and wheels assemblies.
5. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.
6. Disconnect the vent hose from the rear axle housing.
Important: Do not remove propeller shaft from the transmission or transfer case.
7. Disconnect the propeller shaft attached to the rear drive axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
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Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece
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Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece
8. Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order not put stress on the universal joints.
9. Remove the rear axle housing cover and gasket.
10. Disconnect the brake caliper hose from the brake pipe.
11. Remove the brake calipers.
12. Remove the brake rotors.
13. Remove the backing plates.
14. Remove the brake pipe from the axle housing.
15. Remove the rear park brake cables.
16. Remove right rear park brake cable from the cable guide on the rear axle.
17. Disconnect the rear spring from the axle.
18. Lower the axle from the vehicle.
19. Remove the differential assembly.
20. Remove the drive pinion yoke.
21. Remove the drive pinion.
22. Remove the drive pinion bearings from the drive pinion.
23. Remove the differential side bearings.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the new differential side bearings to the differential assembly.
2. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion.
3. Install the new drive pinion bearings.
4. Install the drive pinion.
5. Install the new drive pinion yoke oil seal and drive pinion yoke.
6. Install the differential assembly.
7. Install the new rear axle shaft bearings and oil seals.
8. Install the axle housing assembly to the rear springs.
9. Install the brake pipe to the axle housing.
10. Install the backing plates.
11. Install the brake rotors.
12. Install the brake calipers.
13. Connect the brake caliper hose to the brake pipe.
14. Install the rear axle housing cover and new gasket.
15. Install the right rear park brake cable in the cable guide on the rear axle.
16. Connect the park brake cables.
17. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
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Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece
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Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece
18. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle brackets.
19. Connect the vent hose to the axle housing.
20. Install the rear tires and wheels assemblies.
21. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
22. Bleed the brakes system, disc brake systems only.
23. Remove the safety stands.
24. Lower the vehicle.
25. Test drive vehicle and check for leaks.
