2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT Axle Shaft Seal

You need to raise the vehicle, remove the tire and wheel assembly, the brake caliper, the rear cover and the gasket, the pinion shaft locking bolt, the pinion shaft, and the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing. On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, to enter the differential case and rotate the lock until the lock aligns with the thrust block. You also need to push the flange of the Axle Shaft (1) toward the differential and remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft and the axle shaft from the housing.

You need to install the pinion bearing cups, the drive pinion outer pinion bearing and the pinion oil seal, the drive pinion, the pinion yoke, and the Differential case, and adjust the side bearing preload and the backlash. You also need to perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, install the axle shafts, the steering knuckles, the rear axle, and the steering gear protection shield, fill the axle with lubricant, and lower the vehicle.

You need to support the propeller shaft, mark the propeller shaft, disassemble the snap rings, place the universal joint, and place J 9522-3 on the open horizontal bearing cups. Press the lower bearing cup out of the yoke ear, rotate the propeller shaft, press the opposite bearing cup out of the yoke, mark the orientation of the slip yoke, remove the cross and the remaining universal joint parts, inspect the retaining ring grooves for dirt, corrosion, or pieces of the old ring and the bearing cup bores, and clean the retaining ring grooves.