Any Chevy Mechanics out there?

[rmaynard 16,289]

I have leaking seals on my 2003 Chevy Astro AWD rear wheels. I need to remove the axles to remove and replace the seals, but I cannot figure out how to get to the C clips in the differential. When I remove the cover, it does not look anything like the picture in the Chiltons manual.

Help.

I sure wish I were working on a Wheel Horse.

[Gene_S 93]

Bob it's been years since I blew the rear out of my 74 Malibu but there was a pin that went through the center of the diff and I removed that and it allowed me to push the axles in and release the C clips. Not real sure how they are on yours though...

Good luck...

[rmaynard 16,289]

Gene,

They are still made the same way. I found the pin and the 5/16" bolt that secures it, but my problem was that I was looking at the opposite side of the assembly. All that was staring me in the face was a bunch of little spring loaded levers and rods that have something to do with the limited slip. I didn't even want to mess with them. So after a little time to think, I rotated the gears and low and behold, there was an open spot to gain access to the C clip.

Got the first axle out, new seal installed and all back together. I think I will wait until tomorrow to start on the other side.

Thanks for your help.

Bob

[Kelly 1,033]

Be sure to put the additive in for a limited slip diff. / posi or you will burn up the clutches in it.

[rmaynard 16,289]

Be sure to put the additive in for a limited slip diff. / posi or you will burn up the clutches in it.

Last bulletin that I saw on the 2003 Astro was that they were back to 75W90 synthetic gear oil in the rear, and "Smurf Juice" (GM Autotrac II) in the transfer case. If you know something newer, let me know.

I was having a bad time with "jutter" (thumping, bumping and slipping at low speeds), and GM advised me to use Autotrac II in the transfer case. Since the flush and fill, no jutter

[Kelly 1,033]

Or I should have added most synthetic gear lubes will work, I use Mobil 1

[smoreau 658]

Your rear diff is a Eaton locker, they work great, but if you abuse it they will break and become a open rear diff with a clunk from forward to reverse. Next thing to remember on a all wheel drive is tires. they should be all the same size, make, and model tire with even ware all the way around. This is very important for the viscus clutch in the transfer case. AWD is not a 4x4 and should not be treated as a off road car or truck. the front wheels are a assist and will give if over loaded. if this happens to much it will burn up the x-fer case. I have seen a lot of these cars and trucks come in with a service AWD light on and the viscus clutch is burned out of it due to 2 new tires in front and very warn tires in the rear.

Now for those that have the push button 4x4 with the AUTO button on there dash. I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU DO NOT USE THAT OPTION MUCH!! the reason why is that the x-fer case has a clutch that slips when there is no load on it and will burn out if used too much on clear winter roads. Every year I put in 5-10 X-fer cases in late model chevy trucks due to the owner leaving there truckl in the auto feature all winter long. All I can say is that I like my old leaver on the floor. Its in 2x4 or 4x4 with one quick pull back and no electronics to fail or clutches in the x-fer case.