Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1417

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

Installation .

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

Replacement.

4. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

Fig. 63: View Of Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

5. 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. 64: Pinion Shaft Touching Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

6. 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. 65: View Of Axle Shaft, Lock & Thrust Block
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

7. 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. 66: View Of Axle Shaft & Brake Drum
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

8. Remove the brake drum.

9. Push the flange of the axle shaft in toward the differential.

10. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

11. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.

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

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

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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