How to Remove a Rear Axle Bearing From a 2003 Tahoe

The 2003 Chevy Tahoe rear axle bearings are pressed into the outer end of the axle tubes directly behind the axle hubs. The 2003 Tahoes rear axles are secured in the differential by C-clips. Should the axle bearing surface be scored severely due to a seized bearing, rather than buy a new axle, you could purchase an axle saver bearing. It moves the bearing outward to a fresh area on the axle.

Instructions

Block the front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts one-half turn with the lug wrench. Place the transmission in neutral. Place the floor jack under the differential and raise the rear of the truck. Place a jack stand under the axle tube on each side of the differential. Lower the truck so that it rests on the stands. Place the drain pan under the differential.

Continue removing the lug nuts on the rear wheels, then remove the wheels. Remove the brake drums if so equipped by pulling them off. Tap them with a hammer between the wheel studs if they are being stubborn.

Remove the 13 mm bolts in the differential cover using a socket and ratchet. Slowly pry the bottom of the cover loose with the flat-head screwdriver to allow the gear oil to drain without splashing. Remove the cover.

Rotate the carrier until the end of the differential gear center shaft with the retaining bolt is pointed down toward the lower part of the housing. Remove the center shaft retaining bolt with a wrench while holding the bottom of the center shaft so that it doesnt fall out. Once the retaining bolt is out, lower the center shaft out of the carrier. Do not rotate the carrier with the center shaft out or the differential gears will rotate out and be difficult to reinstall.

Push one axle in toward the center of the truck and remove the C-clip from the inside end of the axle. Pull the axle out of the axle tube and stand it up on the wheel studs. Repeat the process on the opposite side.

Install the center shaft up through the differential gears and install the retaining bolt loosely. Remove the oil seal from the outer end of the axle tube using the seal puller. Insert the pivot end of the slide hammer through the axle bearing. Move the slide hammer up and down to make the puller end open and grab the rear of the axle bearing. Use the hammer to beat the bearing out of the axle tube.

Install the new bearing by hand as straight and far as it will go in the end of the tube. Place the old bearing over the new bearing and hammer the old bearing to force the new bearing into the tube without harming it. Continue until the sound changes to a thud, indicating that it is in all the way. Discard the old bearing.

Install the outer oil seal by tapping it around the outside edge until it is flush with the tube end. Repeat this process on the opposite side. Remove the center shaft retaining bolt and shaft.

Insert an axle through the seal and bearing carefully and push it until it contacts the carrier. Grab the hub with both hands and tilt the inside end of the axle while feeling for the hole in the carrier. Push the axle all the way in as far as it will go.

Install the C-clip in the groove on the inside end of the axle. Keep the open end of the C-clip down so that it doesnt fall off. Now pull the axle all the way out, which pulls the C-clip into a recess that does not allow it to come off the end of the axle. Repeat this process with the remaining axle.

Install the differential gear center shaft and retaining bolt. Torque the retaining bolt to 27 foot-pounds. Clean the differential cover of all remaining gasket material using the gasket scraper. Spray brake cleaner on the inside of the cover to finish the cleaning process. Wipe it down with a clean cloth.

Lay a thin, continuous bead of RTV sealant around the mating surface of the cover, making sure to circle the bolt holes. Do not make it thick, as it will just squeeze out. Allow the RTV to set up until it doesnt stick to your finger when you touch it.

Install the cover and torque the bolts in a staggered sequence to 20 foot-pounds. Remove the filler plug with a wrench. Fill the differential with 80/90W gear oil until it is level with the filler hole. Install the filler plug.

Install the brake drums, if so equipped. Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 110 foot-pounds for all 5- and 6-lug wheels or 120 foot-pounds for 8-lug wheels. Lift the rear of the truck and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck.