Seals and Gaskets: Service and Repair

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

^ Tools Required:
- J 28712 Drive Axle Boot Protectors

1. Raise and suitably support vehicle.
2. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the transaxle fluid pan.
3. Transaxle drain plug from transaxle fluid pan and drain fluid into drain pan or suitable container.
4. Install the J 28712 to the wheel-side and differential-side joints of the drive axle.
5. Drive axle assembly from vehicle. Refer to Drive Axle Assembly in Drive Axle.
6. Drive axle shaft fluid seal from transaxle.

Inspect
- Differential-side joint surface of the drive axle assembly where the drive axle makes contact with the drive axle shaft fluid seal. Surface should be smooth and free of any burrs or scarring which may damage the drive axle shaft fluid seal. If damage to the differential-side joint surface is evident, replace the differential-side joint.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

^ Tools Required:
- J 35538 Axle Shaft-Seal Installer
- J 28712 Drive Axle Boot Protectors

1. New drive axle shaft fluid seal into transaxle using J 35538.
2. Drive axle assembly into vehicle. Refer to Drive Axle Assembly in Drive Axle.
3. Remove J 28712 from the wheel-side and differential-side joints of the drive axle.
4. Apply GM P/N 12346004, or equivalent, to the threaded portion of the transaxle drain plug.
5. Transaxle drain plug into transaxle fluid pan.

Tighten
- Transaxle drain plug to 23 N.m (17 lb. ft.).

6. Lower vehicle.
7. Refill transaxle as necessary:
A. Place vehicle on a level surface.
B. Remove fluid level indicator.
C. Add approximately 0.5 liters (0.5 qts.) of Dexron (tm) III automatic transmission fluid GM P/N 12346143, or equivalent, into fluid filler tube.
D. Install fluid level indicator into fluid filler tube.
E. Apply parking brake and block vehicle wheels.
F. With selector lever in "P" position, start engine. DO NOT race engine.
G. Run engine at idle and move selector lever through each range and return to the "P" position.
H. With engine running at idle, remove fluid level indicator from filler tube and wipe indicator off.
I. Reinsert fluid level indicator into filler tube making sure it is seated in its original position.
J. Remove the indicator and check the fluid level. The level should be between the "FULL HOT" and "LOW HOT" marks. If the level is below the "LOW HOT" mark, add fluid to bring the level to the "FULL HOT" mark. Bringing the fluid level from the "LOW HOT" mark to the "FULL HOT" mark requires 0.3 liters (0.3 qts.) of fluid. Use Dexron (tm) III automatic transmission fluid GM P/N 12346143, or equivalent.