Rear Axle Replacement (15/25 Series)

Rear Axle Replacement (15/25 Series)

Removal Procedure




1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-B67313) at the front end of the vehicle.
3. Drain the axle lubricant from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 LD Axle) Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch HD and 10.5 Inch Axles).
4. Disconnect the propeller shaft.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable.
7. Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
8. Remove the brake calipers from the brake caliper mounting brackets. Do not disconnect the brake lines. Suspend the calipers from the vehicle with heavy mechanics wire.
9. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.
10. Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting.
11. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers form the axle assembly.
12. Lower the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure




1. Place the rear axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Align the rear axle assembly with the springs.
3. Connect the spacers, the spring plates and the U-bolts to the rear axle.
4. Raise the rear axle assembly into position.
5. Install the rear leaf spring U-bolts, nuts and washer.
6. Install the vent hose to the rear axle vent fitting.
7. Connect the shock absorbers to the rear axle.
8. Install the brake calipers.
9. Install the brake lines and the brake line bracket bolts to the axle.
10. Connect the parking brake cable.
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
12. Connect the propeller shaft.
13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
14. Remove the utility stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.