Rear Differential

Complete removal and replacement of the rear differential assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8, including driveshaft disconnection, axle removal, and differential housing R&R.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear differential assembly (if replacing complete unit) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 8.6-inch 10-bolt rear axle
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — GM 12471387 or equivalent
• Axle seals × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Driveshaft U-joint strap bolts × 4 — Reuse if not damaged
• Differential mounting hardware × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant × 1 — GM 12378521 or equivalent

Fluids

• ACDelco 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails behind rear axle
4. Remove both rear wheels
5. Clean area around differential cover, driveshaft, and mounting points to prevent contamination
6. Place drain pan under differential
7. Photograph or mark driveshaft-to-pinion flange orientation for proper reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain differential fluid
   Remove the differential cover bolts in a crisscross pattern, starting from the top. Allow the cover to hang from the top bolts while fluid drains completely. Once drained, remove remaining bolts and cover. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris that may indicate internal damage.
   Torque spec

   Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect rear driveshaft
   Support the rear driveshaft with one hand or wire. Remove the four U-joint strap bolts at the pinion flange. Carefully lower the driveshaft and slide it rearward to disengage from the transmission output shaft. Cap the transmission extension housing with a plug or plastic bag to prevent fluid loss.
   ℹ️Do not allow driveshaft U-joints to bend at extreme angles during removal as this may damage the joint caps.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove rear brake components (if necessary)
   If axle shafts need to be removed, disconnect the rear brake calipers or backing plates. For disc brakes, remove caliper mounting bolts and secure calipers to the frame with wire. For drum brakes, remove brake drums and disconnect parking brake cables from actuators.
4. 4

   Remove axle shafts
   For semi-floating axles, remove the C-clip retainers from inside the differential (if applicable to your specific axle type). Carefully slide axle shafts out of the housing. For full-floating axles, remove the axle flange bolts and pull the axle shaft assembly. Inspect axle seals and bearings during removal.
   ⚠Support axle shafts during removal to prevent damage to bearings or seals. Do not allow shafts to drop or hang unsupported.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake lines and ABS sensors
   Disconnect the rear brake hard lines at the differential housing junction or flexible hose connections. Cap all open lines immediately to prevent contamination and fluid loss. Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor wiring connectors on both sides and secure wiring away from work area.
   ⚠Brake system will need to be bled after reassembly. Ensure adequate brake fluid is available.
6. 6

   Support differential with transmission jack
   Position a transmission jack or equivalent under the differential housing. Adjust jack height to just contact the housing and take up the weight. Ensure the differential is stable and securely positioned on the jack before proceeding. Use chains or straps to secure the assembly to the jack.
7. 7

   Remove shock absorber lower mounts
   Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolts on both sides. Swing shocks up and out of the way, securing them to the frame if necessary. This provides clearance for differential removal.
8. 8

   Disconnect stabilizer bar links (if equipped)
   If the vehicle is equipped with a rear stabilizer bar, disconnect the end links from the axle housing on both sides. This allows the axle to be lowered without interference.
9. 9

   Remove differential mounting bolts
   Locate and remove all differential housing mounting bolts that secure the assembly to the leaf spring U-bolts or suspension components. On this model, there are typically four U-bolt nuts per side. Have an assistant help stabilize the differential on the jack as the final fasteners are removed.
   ⚠️The differential assembly is heavy and will shift when fasteners are removed. Maintain control of the transmission jack at all times.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower and remove differential assembly
    Slowly lower the transmission jack while guiding the differential assembly clear of the vehicle. Watch for any remaining electrical connections or brake lines. Once clear of the frame, carefully maneuver the assembly out from under the vehicle. Place on a clean workbench for inspection or transfer components to replacement unit.
11. 11

    Prepare replacement differential
    If installing a replacement differential, transfer any necessary components from the old unit (brake line junctions, brackets, ABS sensors, vent tube). Install new axle seals using a seal driver, ensuring they are seated flush and square in the housing. Apply thin coat of gear oil to seal lips before installation.
12. 12

    Install differential assembly
    Position the replacement differential on the transmission jack and carefully raise it into position. Align the axle housing with the leaf spring U-bolt saddles or mounting points. Install mounting bolts and U-bolt nuts finger-tight initially. Ensure differential is properly centered and aligned before torquing fasteners.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reinstall shock absorber lower mounting bolts and stabilizer bar end links (if equipped). Torque all suspension fasteners to specification. Ensure all components move freely and have proper clearance.
14. 14

    Install axle shafts
    Clean axle shaft splines and apply a light coat of gear oil. Carefully slide axle shafts into the differential housing, ensuring splines engage properly with the side gears. For semi-floating axles, install C-clip retainers if applicable. Verify axle shafts are fully seated.
15. 15

    Reconnect brake system and ABS
    Reconnect all brake hard lines and flexible hoses, ensuring proper routing and no kinks. Reconnect ABS wheel speed sensor connectors. Reinstall brake calipers or drums as applicable. Bleed brake system completely starting from the wheel farthest from the master cylinder.
16. 16

    Install driveshaft
    Clean the pinion flange and driveshaft yoke mating surfaces. Align driveshaft to pinion flange using marks made during disassembly. Install U-joint straps and bolts, applying medium-strength thread locker. Tighten bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern to specification.
    ℹ️Proper driveshaft phasing is critical to prevent vibration. Ensure alignment marks are matched correctly.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Install differential cover
    Clean differential housing mating surface thoroughly with brake cleaner. Apply a 3mm bead of RTV silicone sealant to the cover flange or install new gasket per manufacturer instructions. Install cover and bolts, tightening in a crisscross pattern to ensure even seating.
    ℹ️Allow RTV sealant to cure for at least 1 hour before filling with gear oil to prevent leaks.
    Torque spec

    Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Fill differential with gear oil
    Remove the differential fill plug (typically located on the front or side of the housing). Using a fluid pump, fill the differential with ACDelco 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole (approximately 2.5 quarts). Reinstall fill plug and torque to specification.
19. 19

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Complete final lowering of vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all brake lines are properly routed and secured with clips
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Check for proper clearance between driveshaft and exhaust components throughout suspension travel
4. Top off brake fluid reservoir and verify firm brake pedal after bleeding
5. Inspect for any fluid leaks around differential cover, axle seals, and brake connections

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from differential area
• Test brake pedal feel - should be firm with no sponginess indicating air in system
• Test drive vehicle in safe area, checking for smooth operation through all gears
• Listen for any whining, clunking, or grinding noises from differential during acceleration and deceleration
• Verify no vibrations at highway speeds that would indicate driveshaft imbalance
• After test drive, recheck all fastener torques and inspect for fluid leaks
• Check differential fluid level after 50-100 miles of driving and top off if necessary
• Verify ABS system operates correctly with no warning lights on instrument cluster

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