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Front Drive Axle Cadillac SRX I

Differentials & Drive Axles 6 illustrations ~2638 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Differential Housing Cover Bolts29 N.m21 lb ft
Differential Support Mounting Bolts175 N.m129 lb ft
Drain Plug39 N.m29 lb ft
Fill Plug39 N.m29 lb ft
Pinion Housing Bolts29 N.m21 lb ft
Pinion Nut241 N.m178 lb ft
Propeller Shaft Coupler-to-Differential Flange Bolts85 N.m63 lb ft

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 17

Scheme 17: Front Axle Usage
Scheme 17: Front Axle Usage
CalloutComponent Name
1Ratio
2GM Part Number
3Getrag Part Number
4Serial Number
GM P/NAxle RatioTransmission
257148543.23Automatic
125730423.91Automatic

Front Axle Usage

Lubrication Specifications

ApplicationQuantity
MetricEnglish
Differential Lubricant GL 75W90 G/M P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10952622)0.7L1.37 qt

Lubrication Specifications

Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants

ApplicationType of MaterialGM Part Number
USCanada
Pinion NutThread Locker1234538210953489

Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants

Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the Front Drive Axle Description and Operation and Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation in Wheel Drive Shafts. Reviewing the description and operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the description and operation information will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation. Refer to Symptoms - Front Drive Axle in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.

Strategy Based Diagnostics

Review the system operations in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to Front Drive Axle Description and Operation , and Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation in Wheel Drive Shafts. All diagnosis on a vehicle should follow a logical process. Strategy based diagnostics is a uniform approach for repairing all systems. The diagnostic flow may always be used in order to resolve a system problem. The diagnostic flow is the place to start when repairs are necessary. For a detailed explanation, refer to Strategy Based Diagnosis in General Information.

Visual/Physical Inspection

  1. Inspect for aftermarket devices, which could affect the operation of the vehicle. Refer to «Checking Aftermarket Accessories»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/body-electrical/#how-to-diagnosis-repair-the-wiring-systems-testing__checking-aftermarket-accessories) in Wiring Systems.
  2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions, which could cause the symptom.
  3. Inspect for the correct lubricant level and the proper viscosity.
  4. Verify the exact operating conditions under which the concern exists. Note factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, ambient temperature, and other specifics.
  5. Compare the driving characteristics or sounds, if applicable, to a known good vehicle and ensure you are not trying to correct a normal condition.

Intermittent

Test the vehicle under the same conditions that the customer reported in order to verify the system is operating properly.

Symptom List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom

  1. «Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/oem-general-information/#vibration-symptoms-diagnosis-and-correction__diagnostic-starting-point-vibration-diagnosis) in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction
  2. «Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-5l40-e5l50-e-introduction-1-of-2__diagnostic-starting-point-automatic-transmission) in Automatic Transmission - 5L40-E/5L50-E
  3. «Symptoms - Propeller Shaft»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#propeller-shaft-and-universal-joints__symptoms-propeller-shaft) in Propeller Shaft
  4. «Noisy in Drive»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__noisy-in-drive)
  5. «Noisy When Coasting»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__noisy-when-coasting)
  6. «Intermittent Noise»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__intermittent-noise)
  7. «Constant Noise»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__constant-noise)
  8. «Noisy on Turns»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__noisy-on-turns)
  9. «Front Axle Lubricant Leak Diagnosis»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__front-axle-lubricant-leak-diagnosis)

Noisy in Drive

CauseCorrection
Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
Transmission noiseRepair or replace as required. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission in Automatic Transmission - 5L40-E/5L50-E.
Driveline assembly noiseRepair or replace as required. Refer to Symptoms - Propeller Shaft in Propeller Shaft.
Worn axle shaft constant velocity jointsReplace the constant velocity joints as required.
Worn, loose, or damaged axle mount and/or bracketRepair or replace the axle mount and/or bracket as required.
Bearing noise within the differential assemblyA grinding or roar type noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed. Inspect for the proper fluid level. Fill as required. If the noise continues, replace the carrier unit. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .
Gear set whine noise within the differential assemblyA whine type noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed, approximately 80-96 km/h (50-60 mph). Typical causes of a gear set whine type noise may include incorrect backlash and/or pinion depth adjustment or worn or scored gear set teeth. Inspect for the proper fluid level. Fill as required. Replace the carrier unit. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .

Noisy in Drive

Noisy When Coasting

CauseCorrection
IMPORTANT: Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
Worn axle shaft constant velocity jointsReplace the constant velocity joints as required.
Worn, loose, or damaged axle mount and/or bracketRepair or replace the axle mount and/or bracket as required.
Bearing noise within the differential assemblyA grinding or roar type noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed. Check for the proper fluid level. Fill as required. If the noise continues, replace the carrier unit. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .
Gear set whine noise within the differential assemblyA whine type noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed, approximately 31-37 km/h (50-60 mph). Typical causes of a gear set whine type noise may include incorrect backlash and/or pinion depth adjustment or worn or scored gear set teeth. Check for the proper fluid level. Fill as required. Replace the carrier unit. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .
IMPORTANT
Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .

Noisy When Coasting

Intermittent Noise

CauseCorrection
IMPORTANT: Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
Worn, loose, or damaged axle mount and/or bracketRepair or replace the axle mount and/or bracket as required.
Incorrect gear oilReplace with the correct gear oil. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants .
IMPORTANT
Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .

Intermittent Noise

Constant Noise

CauseCorrection
IMPORTANT: Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
Low gear oil levelsFaulty oil seals or other type leaks may contribute to lower than required fluid levels. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Leak Diagnosis . Fill to the proper level with the correct gear oil. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants and Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
Worn, loose, or damaged axle mount and/or bracketRepair or replace the axle mount and/or bracket as required.
Bearing noise within the differential assemblyA grinding or roar type noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed. Check for the proper fluid level. Fill as required. If the noise continues, replace the carrier unit. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .
Gear set whine noise within the differential assemblyA whine type noise will increase or decrease relative to the vehicle speed, approximately 31-37 km/h (50-60 mph). Typical causes of a gear set whine type noise may include incorrect backlash and/or pinion depth adjustment or worn or scored gear set teeth. Check for the proper fluid level. Fill as required. Replace the carrier unit. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .
IMPORTANT
Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .

Constant Noise

Noisy on Turns

CauseCorrection
IMPORTANT: Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
Worn or loose rear axle mount and/or bracketRepair or replace as required.
Worn axle shaft constant velocity jointsReplace the constant velocity joints as required.
Worn wheel bearingsReplace the wheel bearings as required.
Incorrect gear oilFill to the proper level with the correct gear oil. Refer to Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants and Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .
IMPORTANT
Inspect for the proper gear oil levels prior to performing system diagnosis. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle .

Noisy on Turns

Front Axle Lubricant Leak Diagnosis

CauseCorrection
IMPORTANT: Upon completion of all repairs, refill the axle with the proper amounts of axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle and Lubrication Specifications .
Restricted or damaged vent valve assemblyRepair or replace the vent valve as required.
Right side cover O-ring sealReplace the side cover O-ring seal as required.
Worn or damaged axle shaft oil sealsReplace the axle shaft oil seals as required.
Housing or side cover porosityReplace the carrier. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement .
Loose Drain or Fill PlugTighten to specification
Pinion Housing Assembly O-ringPull Housing Assembly Replace O-ring
IMPORTANT
Upon completion of all repairs, refill the axle with the proper amounts of axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle and Lubrication Specifications .

Front Axle Lubricant Leak Diagnosis

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
  3. Remove the fill plug from the differential and drain the fluid.
  4. Check the differential fluid level, it should be even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
  5. Add new fluid if necessary.
  6. Fill the differential with 75W90 synthetic axle lubricant, GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455) or equivalent. Refer to «Capacities - Approximate Fluid»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/lubrication-system/#maintenance-and-lubrication__capacities-approximate-fluid) in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  7. Install the differential fill plug to the differential. Tighten: Tighten the differential fill plug to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
  8. Lower the vehicle.

Draining Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
  3. Position a drain pan under drain plug.
  4. Remove the drain plug from the differential and drain the fluid.

Filling Procedure

  1. Install the drain plug to the differential. Tighten: Tighten the differential drain plug to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
  2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
  3. Remove the fill plug from the differential.
  4. Fill the differential with 75W90 synthetic axle lubricant, GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455) or equivalent. Refer to «Capacities - Approximate Fluid»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/lubrication-system/#maintenance-and-lubrication__capacities-approximate-fluid) in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  5. Inspect the gear lubricant level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
  6. Install the fill plug to the differential. Tighten: Tighten the fill plug to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
  7. Lower the vehicle.

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Remove the front propeller shaft constant velocity (CV) joint shield bolts (1).
  3. Remove the front propeller shaft CV joint heat shield (2).

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the front propeller shaft CV joint heat shield (2) to the vehicle.
  2. Inspect the front propeller shaft CV joint heat shield bolts (1). Replace if damaged or worn.
  3. Install the front propeller shaft CV joint heat shield bolts (1). Tighten: Tighten the front propeller shaft CV joint heat shield bolts to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
  4. Lower the vehicle.

Tools Required

  1. J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  2. J 21474-20 Bushing Installer. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the left front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  4. Remove and discard the intermediate wheel drive shaft retaining ring (2). The intermediate wheel drive shaft retaining ring is on the splined end of the shaft.
  5. Remove and discard the intermediate wheel drive shaft O-ring (1). The O-ring is on the splined end of the shaft.
  6. Remove the intermediate shaft bearing assembly mounting bolts.
  7. Install J 45019 into the threaded holes in the intermediate shaft bearing assembly. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  8. Remove the intermediate shaft bearing assembly from the intermediate wheel drive shaft.
  9. Remove J 45019 from the intermediate shaft bearing housing. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  10. Remove the snap ring (1) from the intermediate shaft bearing housing (3).
  11. Using hammer and brass drift carefully separate the intermediate shaft bearing (2) from the intermediate shaft bearing housing (3).
  12. Thoroughly clean the intermediate shaft bearing housing using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  13. Inspect the intermediate shaft bearing housing for damage, if damaged replace the intermediate shaft bearing housing.
  1. Install the intermediate shaft bearing (2) to the intermediate shaft bearing housing (3).
  2. Using J 21474-20 , and a hydraulic press fully seat the intermediate shaft bearing (2) to the intermediate shaft bearing housing (3). See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  3. Install the snap ring (1) into the retaining groove of the bearing housing (3).
  4. Install the intermediate shaft bearing assembly to the intermediate wheel drive shaft.
  5. Install the intermediate shaft bearing housing mounting bolts to the oil pan. Tighten: Tighten the intermediate shaft bearing assembly mounting bolts to 60 N.m (44 lb ft).
  6. Apply a small amount of grease GM P/N 01051344, (Canadian P/N 993037) to the intermediate wheel drive shaft splines
  7. Install a new O-ring (1) on the intermediate wheel drive shaft. The intermediate wheel drive shaft O-ring groove is on the splined end of the shaft.
  8. Install a new wheel drive shaft retaining ring (2). The intermediate wheel drive shaft retaining ring groove is on the splined end of the shaft.
  9. Install the left front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  10. Install the left tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.

Tools Required

J 45017 Output Shaft Seal Installer. See Special Tools .

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  4. Using a flat bladed tool carefully remove the right differential output shaft seal. Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces.
  1. Lubricate the wheel drive shaft sealing surface of the oil seal with 75W90 synthetic axle lubricant, GM P/N 12378261 (Canadian P/N 10953455) or equivalent.
  2. Install the right differential output shaft seal (2) to the J 45017 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  3. Using the J 45017 (1), carefully install the right differential output shaft seal (2). See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  4. Remove J 45017 (1) from the right differential output shaft seal (2). See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  5. Install the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  6. Inspect the fluid level. Refer to «Lubricant Level Inspection - Rear Drive Axle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#rear-drive-axle) in Rear Drive Axle.
  7. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.

Differential Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke, Seal, and Dust Deflector Replacement - Front

Tools Required

  1. J 46262 Pinion Sealer. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  2. J 45012 Holding Fixture. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  3. J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  1. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Remove the front propeller shaft constant velocity (CV) joint to drive pinion flange bolts.
  3. Carefully move the front propeller shaft toward the rear of the vehicle in order to release the propeller shaft (CV) joint from the drive pinion flange.
  4. Position the front propeller shaft out of the way.
  5. Support the propeller shaft with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent.
  6. Install the J 45012 to the drive pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  7. While holding the J 45012 remove the drive pinion flange nut. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  8. Remove J 45012 from the drive pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  9. Install the J 45019 to the drive pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  10. Using J 45019 remove the drive pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  11. Remove the J 45019 from the drive pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  12. Using a flat bladed tool carefully remove the drive pinion seal. Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces.
  1. Lubricate the drive pinion flange sealing surface of the drive pinion seal with synthetic gear oil GM P/N 12378514 (Canadian P/N 88901045) or equivalent.
  2. Install the drive pinion seal to the J 46262 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  3. Using J 46262 install the new drive pinion seal to the differential. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  4. Remove the J 46262 from the new drive pinion seal. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  5. Install the pinion flange to the drive pinion shaft.
  6. Prepare the pinion shaft threads and the pinion flange nut for assembly: Thoroughly clean the residue from the pinion shaft threads by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Thoroughly clean the residue from the pinion flange nut by using denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry.
  7. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to 2/3 of the threaded length of the pinion shaft threads. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the pinion shaft threads.
  8. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately ten minutes before installation.
  9. Install the drive pinion flange nut to the pinion shaft.
  10. Install the J 45012 to the drive pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  11. While holding the J 45012 tighten the drive pinion nut. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) . Tighten: Tighten the pinion flange nut to 241 N.m (178 lb ft).
  12. Remove the J 45012 from the pinion flange. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle__special-tools) .
  13. Install the propeller shaft to the drive pinion flange.
  14. Install the propeller shaft to the drive pinion flange bolts. Tighten: Tighten the (6) propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange bolts in sequence (1-6) to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
  15. Inspect the fluid level. Refer to «Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle) .
  16. Lower the vehicle.

J 44394 Seal Protector

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) in General Information.
  2. Lower the front frame assembly. Refer to «Frame Replacement - Front»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__frame-replacement-front) in Frame and Underbody.
  3. Remove front propeller shaft from the differential and position out of the way. Refer to «Propeller Shaft Replacement - Front»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#propeller-shaft-and-universal-joints) in Propeller Shaft.
  4. Remove the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  5. Remove the left front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  6. Remove the intermediate wheel drive shaft support bearing. Refer to «Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly Replacement - Front Drive Axle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle) .
  7. Position a transmission jack beneath the differential.
  8. Firmly secure the differential to the transmission jack.
  9. Remove the front differential to oil pan mounting bolts.
  10. Disengaging the intermediate wheel drive shaft and the front differential from the oil pan.
  1. Position the differential on a transmission jack.
  2. Firmly secure the differential to the transmission jack.
  3. With the differential firmly attached to the jack, install the intermediate wheel drive shaft and the front differential to the oil pan.
  4. Install the front differential to oil pan mounting bolts. Tighten: Tighten the front differential to oil pan mounting bolts in sequence to (1-3) to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  5. Remove the transmission jack from the differential.
  6. Install the intermediate wheel drive shaft support bearing. Refer to «Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly Replacement - Front Drive Axle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle) .
  7. Carefully install the left wheel drive shaft to the intermediate wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  8. Install the right front wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) or «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Right)»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  9. Install the front propeller shaft to the differential. Refer to «Propeller Shaft Replacement - Front»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#propeller-shaft-and-universal-joints) in Propeller Shaft.
  10. Inspect the differential lubricant level. Refer to «Lubricant Level Inspection - Front Drive Axle»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#front-drive-axle) .
  11. Install the front frame assembly. Refer to «Frame Replacement - Front»(/cadillac/srx/i-2003-2009/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__frame-replacement-front) in Frames and Underbody.
  12. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 18

Scheme 18: Front Drive Axle Description and Operation
Scheme 18: Front Drive Axle Description and Operation

The differential housing, side cover and pinion housing are constructed of cast aluminum. The internal components incorporate a hypoid gear set, ring and pinion, carrier assembly and pinion housing assembly. The pinion is supported in a pinion housing by tapered roller bearings. The pinion is positioned forward of the ring gear centerline. All models have a 7 5/8 inch ring gear.

The differential assembly is available in 2 gear ratios. The 3.23 ratio axle is used in V8 applications. The 3.91 ratio is used in V6 applications.

Special Tools

Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/Description J 21474-20 Bushing Installer J 44394 Seal Protector J 45012 Holding Fixture J 45017 Seal Installer J 45019 Flange and Pinion Cage Remover J 46262 Pinion Sealer

Scheme 19

Scheme 19: Special Tools
Scheme 19: Special Tools

Scheme 20

Scheme 20
Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 21
Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 22
Scheme 22

See also:
• Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation
• Strategy Based Diagnosis
• Checking Aftermarket Accessories
• Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction
• Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission
• Symptoms - Propeller Shaft
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Capacities - Approximate Fluid
• Fastener Notice
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front (Left)
• Lubricant Level Inspection - Rear Drive Axle
• Frame Replacement - Front
• Propeller Shaft Replacement - Front
• Symptoms - Front Drive Axle
• Noisy in Drive
• Noisy When Coasting
• Intermittent Noise
• Constant Noise
• Noisy on Turns
• Front Axle Lubricant Leak Diagnosis
• Sealers, Adhesives, and Lubricants
• Lubrication Specifications
• Special Tools

More articles — Driveline/axles