Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Aztek and 2002 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Position a jack stand under the front of the rear differential and firmly secure the differential to the jack.
Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT REPLACEMENT .
Remove the bolts (5) from the torque tube bracket (4).
Loosen, but do not remove, the torque tube-to-bracket through bolt (7) and nut (1).
Remove the torque tube-to-differential bolts (1).

Fig 1: Removing Torque Tube-To-Differential Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Pull the torque tube (1) toward the front of the vehicle in order to disengage the torque tube from the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 2: Pulling Torque Tube Toward Front Of Vehicle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the torque tube from the differential (2).
Important The drive pinion oil seat must be replaced whenever the torque tube is removed.

Fig 3: Removing Oil Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the oil seal (1) from the drive pinion housing and discard.