The 10-bolt rear axle manufactured by General Motors is a popular rear end and is found under many different vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado, Camaro and others. This rear end has bearings that help the axle shaft rotate. If the bearings wear out, then they will need to be replaced. Otherwise, the rear end could lock up and you could have myriad problems.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and put the wheel chocks around the front wheels. Lift the rear of the vehicle by the axle with the jack and put jack stands underneath the axle. Take off the rear wheels with a tire iron.
Unbolt the rear brake caliper from the rear axle with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Hang the caliper by the inner fender well or the rear of the frame with the J-hook. Slide the rotor off of the axle.
Put the drain pan underneath the differential cover on the axle. Unbolt the rear differential cover from the axle with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the cover off and let the differential oil drain into the pan.
Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt in the middle of the rear end with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the pinion shaft out of the inside of the rear end by hand.
Push the axle shaft into the rear end to drop out the C-clip that holds the shaft to the rear gears. Slide the axle shaft out of the rear end with both hands. Pry out the seal at the end of the axle with the seal puller.
Install the slide hammer with axle shaft bearing attachment into the axle. Pull out the bearings from the axle housing with the slide hammer.
