For 1990-2009 cars

### Removal Procedure

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the four bolts and the front skid plate from the vehicle if it is equipped.
3. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the front axle housing.
4. Remove the front axle oil level/filler plug (1) from the front axle housing.
5. Remove the front axle housing drain plug (2) and drain the front axle oil.
6. Remove the front axle housing assembly. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
7. Remove the eight differential carrier bolts and different carrier from the front axle housing.

Clean
Clean the differential carrier and the front axle housing mating surfaces.

Inspect
Inspect the differential carrier. Refer to Differential Case Assembly Assemble .

### Installation Procedure

1. Apply RTV silicone sealer GM P/N 1052917, or the equivalent, to the differential carrier mating surface on the front axle housing.
2. Install the differential carrier (1) into the front axle housing (2).
3. Secure the differential carrier with eight deferential carrier bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the differential carrier bolts to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

4. Install the front axle housing into the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
5. Install the front axle housing drain plug (2) into the front axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten the front axle housing drain plug to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

6. Refill the front axle housing with approximately 1 liter (1.8 pints) of 80W-90 GLS lubricant GM P/N 12345977, or the equivalent.
7. Install the front axle housing oil level/filler plug (1) into the front axle housing.

Tighten
Tighten the front axle housing oil level/filler plug to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

8. Install the front skid plate, if equipped, to the vehicle.
9. Secure the front skid plate with four bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the front skid plate bolts to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

10. Lower the vehicle.