Backing Plate: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 34866 Rear Axle Shaft Remover
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place a drain pan under the rear axle housing.
3. Remove the oil filler plug (1) from the rear axle housing.
4. Remove the drain plug (2) and drain the oil from the rear axle housing.
5. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
6. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement.





7. Remove the 4 nuts (4, 6) from the rear axle shaft bearing retainer studs.
8. If the vehicle has ABS, disconnect the wheel speed sensor 15) and position the sensor to the side.





9. Use the J 34866 and the J 2619-01 in order to remove the rear axle shaft and the bearing from the rear axle housing.
10. Remove the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement.
11. Remove the wheel cylinder. Refer to Wheel Cylinder Replacement.
12. Squeeze the stopper ring in order to remove the park brake cable from the backing plate.
13. Remove the backing plate from the rear axle housing.
14. Clean the mating surface of the rear axle shaft housing.
15. Clean the mating surface of the rear axle shaft bearing retainer.


Installation Procedure





1. Apply General Motors Sealer, GM P/N 1052366, or equivalent, to the mating surface of the rear axle housing (1).
2. Install the backing plate to the rear axle housing. Align the holes for the rear axle shaft retainer studs.
3. Install the park brake cable to the backing plate.
4. Install the wheel cylinder. Refer to Wheel Cylinder Replacement.
5. Install the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement.
6. Apply General Motors Sealer, GM P/N 1052366, or equivalent, to the mating surface of the rear axle shaft bearing retainer.

Important: The rear axle shafts are different lengths.

7. Install the rear axle shaft and the bearing into the rear axle housing. Ensure the rear axle shaft bearing is firmly seated in the rear axle housing.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

8. Install the 4 nuts (4, 6) in order to retain the rear axle shaft to the rear axle housing.
^ Tighten the nuts to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement.
10. If the vehicle has ABS, install the wheel speed sensor (5).
11. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
12. Apply Teflon Pipe Sealant, GM P/N 12346004, or equivalent, to the threaded portion of the rear axle housing drain plug.
13. Install the drain plug to the rear axle housing.
^ Tighten drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
14. Refill the rear axle housing with approximately 2.2 liters (4.6 pints) of 80W-90 GL5 lubricant, GM P/N 12345977, or equivalent. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the filler plug hole.
15. Install the filler plug (1) to the rear axle housing.
^ Tighten the filler plug to 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).
16. Remove the drain pan.
17. Lower the vehicle.