Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1419

1. Raise and support 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 wheel speed sensor. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .

4. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JH6, JH7) or

Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JD9) .

5. Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket

Replacement.

6. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

Fig. 71: View Of Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

7. On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 72: Pinion Shaft Touching Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

8. On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the

pinion shaft touches the housing.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 73: View Of Axle Shaft, Lock & Thrust Block
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

9. On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter

the differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 74: Axle Shaft Housing & Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

10. Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.

11. Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).

12. Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).

IMPORTANT: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft.

Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the
gears will make the assembly difficult.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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