Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1423

Fig. 85: Installing Axle Shaft Seal Using J 21128
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

3. Install the axle shaft seal using the J 21128 .

4. Drive the tool into the bore until the axle shaft seal bottoms flush with the tube.

5. Install the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum

Brake w/VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes w/o
VSES) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6, 9.5 Inch Axles w/VSES).

6. Install the rear axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket

Replacement.

7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

8. Fill the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Rear

Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant
Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle).

9. Lower the vehicle.

REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR GASKET REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

Fig. 86: Axle Flange Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Remove the flange bolts.

2. Lightly tap the axle shaft with a soft-faced hammer in order to loosen the shaft.

3. Grip the rib on the axle shaft flange with a locking pliers. Twist the axle shaft flange in

order to start the axle shaft removal.

4. Remove the axle shaft from the tube.

5. Remove the gasket.

6. Clean the axle shaft flange and the outside face of the hub assembly.

Installation Procedure

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 87: Axle Flange Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Install the gasket onto the axle shaft.

2. Install the gasket and the axle shaft into the axle tube.

1. Ensure the shaft splines mesh into the differential side gear.

2. Align the holes in the axle flange and the gasket with the holes in the hub.

3. Install the axle flange bolts.

Tighten:

For the 10.5 inch axle, tighten the rear axle flange bolts to 156 N.m (115 lb ft).

For the 11.5 inch axle, tighten the rear axle flange bolts to 185 N.m (136 lb ft).

4. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Refer to Rear Axle

Lubricant Level Inspection (11.5 Inch Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
(8.6, 9.5 LD Axle) or Rear Axle Lubricant Level Inspection (10.5 Inch Axle).

REAR AXLE HUB, BEARING, CUP, AND/OR SEAL REPLACEMENT

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener Notice .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Special Tools

J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 inch - 10

J 2222-C Wheel Bearing Nut Wrench

J 24426 Wheel Bearing Race Installer - Outer. See Special Tools.

J 24427 Wheel Bearing Race Installer - Inner. See Special Tools.

J 44419 Hub Outer Bearing Race Installer. See Special Tools.

J 44420 Differential Bearing and Hub Seal Installer. See Special Tools.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and

Installation .

3. Remove the brake caliper bracket. It is not necessary to remove the brake caliper from the

bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement (JH6, JH7) or Rear Brake
Caliper Bracket Replacement (JD9) .

4. Remove the axle shaft. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement.

IMPORTANT: The wheel hub seal must be replaced anytime the wheel hub

assembly is removed from the axle housing.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado