Lubricant Replacement
Lubricant ChangeDraining Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug (2).
3. Position a drain pan under drain plug.
4. Remove the drain plug (2) and gasket from the differential and drain the oil.
Filling Procedure
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
1. Install the drain plug (2) and gasket to the differential.
Tighten the differential drain plug to 32 Nm (23 ft. lbs.).
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug (1).
3. Remove the fill plug from the differential.
4. Fill the differential with synthetic gear oil GM P/N United States 12378514 Canada P/N 88901045.
5. Inspect the gear oil level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 inch) below the opening.
6. Install the fill plug (1) and gasket to the differential.
Tighten the fill plug to 32 Nm (23 ft. lbs.).
7. Lower the vehicle.
Important: The vehicle must be driven in tight left and right circles after filling the differential in order to distribute the gear lubricant throughout the differential.
8. Operate the vehicle in tight right and left circles in order to engage the all-wheel-drive system.
9. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
10. Remove the fill plug from the differential.
11. Inspect the gear oil level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 inch) below the opening.
12. Install the fill plug and gasket to the differential.
Tighten the fill plug to 32 Nm (23 ft. lbs.).
13. Lower the vehicle.