Drive Axle and Tube Assembly Replacement (Right Side)
FRONT DRIVE AXLE AND TUBERemove or Disconnect
- Raise the vehicle and support it using safety stands.
- Position a pan under the axle to catch oil.
1. Bolts (63) from the left and right stabilizer brackets (64).
2. Right stabilizer link nut assembly (50), spacer (56), and link bolt assembly (62).
3. Inner tie rod end from relay rod.
Important
- This is required on K2 vehicles with C6P option. (8600 lb GVW rating. Refer to option listing for vehicle). It is also required on K3 vehicles to provide needed clearance for drive axle remove.
4. Axle flange bolts (200).
- Turn wheel out to loosen the drive axle from the axle tube.
- Push drive axle toward the front of the truck and tie it out of the way.
5. Electrical connector.
6. Skid plate, if equipped.
7. Axle mounting nuts (130) and washers (126).
8. Axle tube to carrier bolts (6).
9. Axle tube from carrier.
- Take care to keep the open end of the tube up.
Disassemble
Tools Required:
- J 29369-1 Bearing Remover (K2 models)
- J 29369-2 Bearing Remover (K3 models)
- Hold the axle tube in a vise by the mounting flange.
1. Sleeve (10).
2. Gear (8).
3. Thrust washer (7).
4. Axle shaft (1). Tap out with a soft mallet.
5. Deflector (2). Pry out with a screwdriver.
6. Seal (3). Pry out with a screwdriver.
7. Bearing (4). Use J 29369-1 (K2 models) or J 29369-2 (K3 models) and a slide hammer.
Clean
- Parts in a suitable solvent.
- Gasket surfaces on the axle tube and carrier housing.
Assemble
Tools Required:
- J 36609 Bearing Installer
- J 36600 Seal Installer (K2 Models)
- J 22833 Seal Installer (K3 Models)
1. New bearing (4). Use J 36609. Apply axle lubricant to the bearing.
2. New seal (3). Use J 36600 (K2 models) or J 22833 (K3 models). Coat the seal lips with grease.
3. Deflector (2).
4. Axle shaft (1).
5. Thrust washer (7). Use grease to hold it in place. Make sure the tabs on the washer align with the slot in the axle tube.
6. Gear (8).
7. Sleeve (10).
Install or Connect
- Apply sealant (GM P/N 12345739) or equivalent to the carrier sealing surface.
1. Axle tube (5) to carrier (24).
2. Bolts (6).
Tighten
- Bolts to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).
3. Drive shaft to axle shaft.
4. Bolts (200) (figure 5).
Tighten
- Bolts to 80 Nm (59 lb ft).
5. Axle mounting nuts (130) with washers (126).
Tighten
- Nuts (130) to specifications:
- K2 models: 100 Nm (75 lb ft).
- K3 models: 145 Nm (106 lb ft).
6. Tie rod end to relay rod.
7. Stabilizer link (62).
Tighten
- Nut to 18 Nm (13 lb ft) until the nuts meet the end of the bolt threads for torque value.
8. Stabilizer bracket to frame nuts (63).
Tighten
- Bolts to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).
9. Actuator connector (12).
10. Indicator connector (11).
11. Drain plug (27) and the washer (26).
Tighten
- Plug to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).
12. New lubricant.
13. Fill plug (26).
Tighten
- Plug to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).
14. Skid plate, if equipped.