GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 44915 Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Position a jack stand under the front of the rear differential and firmly secure the differential to the jack.
  3. Remove the front propeller shaft . Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

  4. Object Number: 630649  Size: SH
  5. Remove the bolts (5) from the torque tube bracket (4).
  6. Loosen, but do not remove, the torque tube-to-bracket through bolt (7) and nut (1).

  7. Object Number: 630651  Size: SH
  8. Remove the torque tube-to-differential bolts (1).

  9. Object Number: 630652  Size: SH
  10. Pull the torque tube (1) toward the front of the vehicle in order to disengage the torque tube from the differential pinion shaft.
  11. Remove the torque tube from the differential (2).

  12. Object Number: 688821  Size: SH

    Important: The drive pinion oil seal must be replaced whenever the torque tube is removed.

  13. Remove the oil seal (1) from the drive pinion housing and discard.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1532256  Size: SH
  1. Using the J 44915 , install a new oil seal (2) to the drive pinion housing.

  2. Object Number: 630652  Size: SH
  3. Align the splines on the torque tube shaft to the differential pinion shaft.
  4. Install the torque tube (1) to the differential (2).
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 630649  Size: SH
  6. Install the bolts (5) to the torque tube bracket (4).
  7. Tighten

        • Tighten the torque tube bracket bolts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).
        • Tighten the torque tube-to-bracket through bolt nut (1) to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).

    Object Number: 630651  Size: SH
  8. Install the torque tube-to-differential carrier bolts (1).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  10. Install the front propeller shaft . Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  11. Remove the jack stand from under the front of the rear differential.
  12. Lower the vehicle.