Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1998ASTRO VAN 2WD V6-4.3L VIN WREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAINDIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLYSERVICE AND REPAIRUNIT REPAIRDRIVE AXLE FINAL ASSEMBLY
1998 Chevrolet Astro Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN W
Drive Axle Final Assembly
1998 Chevrolet Astro Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN WSECTION Drive Axle Final Assembly
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required
- J8092 Driver Handle
- J23765 Axle Bearing Installer
- J23771 Axle Shaft Seal Installer
- J23911 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
1. Install the bearing with J23765 and J8092 until the tool bottoms out against the housing shoulder. Lubricate the bearing with axle lubricant.
2. Install the oil seal (1) using the J23771 until the seal (1) is flush with the axle tube.
Lubricate the seal lips using axle lubricant.
IMPORTANT:
^ Do not damage the oil seal (1).
^ The splines at the end of the axle shaft must engage with the splines of the axle side gear.
3. Install the axle shafts into the axle housing.
4. Install the C locks on the axle shaft.
Pull the axle shaft outward so the C lock seats in the counterbore of the axle side gear.
5. Install the pinion shaft through the case and the differential gears.
Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole.
6. Install the pinion shaft lock bolt. Apply Loctite 242.
^ Tighten the lock bolt to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
7. Install the cover gasket and cover.
^ Tighten the cover bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
8. Fill the axle using new lubricant to a level within 9.5 mm (1/8 inch) of the filler plug hole.
^ Tighten the filler plug to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
^ Tools Required
- J8092 Driver Handle
- J23765 Axle Bearing Installer
- J23771 Axle Shaft Seal Installer
- J23911 Pinion Oil Seal Installer
1. Install the bearing with J23765 and J8092 until the tool bottoms out against the housing shoulder. Lubricate the bearing with axle lubricant.
2. Install the oil seal (1) using the J23771 until the seal (1) is flush with the axle tube.
Lubricate the seal lips using axle lubricant.
IMPORTANT:
^ Do not damage the oil seal (1).
^ The splines at the end of the axle shaft must engage with the splines of the axle side gear.
3. Install the axle shafts into the axle housing.
4. Install the C locks on the axle shaft.
Pull the axle shaft outward so the C lock seats in the counterbore of the axle side gear.
5. Install the pinion shaft through the case and the differential gears.
Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the lock bolt hole.
6. Install the pinion shaft lock bolt. Apply Loctite 242.
^ Tighten the lock bolt to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
7. Install the cover gasket and cover.
^ Tighten the cover bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
8. Fill the axle using new lubricant to a level within 9.5 mm (1/8 inch) of the filler plug hole.
^ Tighten the filler plug to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.