Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-490192-S40791490082012072700000) .
- Remove the drain plug (2).
- Remove the fill plug (1).
Installation Procedure
- Clean the drain plug.
- Install the drain plug (2) and tighten to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
- Fill the transfer case with transfer case fluid to the bottom of the fill plug, or 0.80 L (0.85 qt). Refer to «Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers»(ref-490279-S32668582472012072700000) for the recommended fluid.
- Install the fill plug (1) and tighten to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-490192-S40791490082012072700000) .
- Remove the drain plug (2).
- Remove the fill plug (1).
- Clean and inspect the drain plug and case sealing surfaces.
- Install the drain plug (2) and tighten to 39 (29 lb ft).
- Fill the transfer case with gear lubricant to the bottom of the fill plug, or 0.80 L (0.85 qt). Refer to «Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers»(ref-490279-S32668582472012072700000) .
- Install the fill plug (1) and tighten to 39 (29 lb ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-490192-S40791490082012072700000) .
- Remove the fill plug (1).
- Clean the fill plug and apply adhesive GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads.
- Install the fill plug (1) and tighten to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Scheme 1
Scheme 1: Transfer Case Brace Replacement
| Callout | Component Name |
| Preliminary Procedure Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the right wheel drive shaft. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement . |
| 1 | Transfer Case Brace Bolt (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . TIP: Tighten the fasteners in the specified sequential order. Tighten 50 N.m (37 lb ft) |
| 2 | Transfer Case Brace Bolt TIP: Tighten the fasteners in the specified sequential order. Tighten 50 N.m (37 lb ft) |
| 3 | Transfer Case Brace Bolt (Qty: 3) TIP: Tighten the fasteners in the specified sequential order. Tighten 23 N.m (17 lb ft) |
| 4 | Transfer Case Brace |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Fastener Caution . |
Transfer Case Brace Replacement
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-490192-S40791490082012072700000) .
- Drain the transfer case fluid. Refer to «Transfer Case Fluid Replacement»(ref-490279-S11129010852012072700000) .
- Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to «Propeller Shaft Replacement»(ref-490238-S17114612372012072700000) .
- Remove the right wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(ref-490274-S40862877712012072700000) .
- Remove both catalytic converters. Refer to «Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (LFW)»(ref-490237-S17999469522012072700000) , and «Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (LFW)»(ref-490237-S41058893052012072700000) .
- Remove the transfer case mounting bracket bolts (1, 2, 4).
- Remove the transfer case mounting bracket (3).
- Support the transaxle with a jackstand.
- Remove the rear transmission mount and bracket. Refer to «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear»(ref-490218-S27648373092012072700000) .
- Remove the bolts (1) securing the transfer case to the transaxle.
- Remove the transfer case (2) from the transaxle.
- Remove the transfer case to transmission O-ring. Discard the O-ring.
- If replacing the transfer case, complete the following steps. Remove the transfer case heat shield bolts (1). Remove the transfer case heat shield (2).
- If the transfer case heat shield was previously removed, complete the following steps. Install the transfer case heat shield (2). Install the transfer case heat shield bolts (1) and tighten to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
- Thoroughly clean the transmission bore and ribbing of fluid and debris immediately prior to installing the transfer case.
- Install a NEW transfer case to transmission O-ring.
- Install the transfer case (2) from the transaxle.
- Install the bolts (1) securing the transfer case to the transaxle and tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
- Install the rear transmission mount and bracket. Refer to «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear»(ref-490218-S27648373092012072700000) .
- Remove the jackstand supporting the transaxle.
- Install the transfer case mounting bracket (3).
- Install the transfer case mounting bracket bolts (1) and tighten to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
- Install the transfer case mounting bracket bolt (4) and tighten to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
- Install the transfer case mounting bracket bolt (2) and tighten to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
- Install both catalytic converters. Refer to «Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (LFW)»(ref-490237-S17999469522012072700000) , and «Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (LFW)»(ref-490237-S41058893052012072700000) .
- Install the right wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(ref-490274-S40862877712012072700000) .
- Install the propeller shaft. Refer to «Propeller Shaft Replacement»(ref-490238-S17114612372012072700000) .
- Fill the transfer case with fluid. Refer to «Transfer Case Fluid Replacement»(ref-490279-S11129010852012072700000) .
- Lower the vehicle.
Scheme 2
Scheme 2: Housing O-Ring, Vent Assembly, Drain and Fill Plug Removal
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case O-Ring Seal |
| 2 | Transfer Case Vent Assembly TIP: Remove the vent only if damaged or blocked. |
| 3 | Transfer Case Bracket Bolts (Qty: 6) |
| 4 | Transfer Case Bracket |
| 5 | Transfer Case Heat Shield Bolts (Qty: 3) |
| 6 | Transfer Case Heat Shield |
| 7 | Transfer Case Drain Plug |
| 8 | Transfer Case Fill Plug |
Housing O-Ring, Vent Assembly, Drain and Fill Plug Removal
Scheme 3
Scheme 3: Intermediate Drive Shaft Removal
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Front Wheel Drive Retainer |
| 2 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft Special Tools J 25070 Heat Gun - 500-750F For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
Intermediate Drive Shaft Removal
Scheme 4
Scheme 4: Rear Output Shaft Housing Removal
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing Bolt (Qty: 6) |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing TIP: Locate 2 screwdrivers or prybars to the flange area of the housing to ease removal. Special Tools J 25070 Heat Gun - 500-750F For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 3 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shim |
| 4 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing Seal O-Ring TIP: Discard the O-ring after removal. |
Rear Output Shaft Housing Removal
Scheme 5
Scheme 5: Right Transfer Case, Input and Output Drive Shaft Removal
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Half Bolts (Qty: 12) |
| 2 | Transfer Case - Right |
| 3 | Transfer Case Seal |
| 4 | Transfer Case Input Shaft |
| 5 | Transfer Case Rear Output Drive Shaft |
| 6 | Transfer Case Half Locating Pins (Qty: 2) Remove the pins only if damaged. Inspect the case for similar damage. Refer to Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection . |
Right Transfer Case, Input and Output Drive Shaft Removal
Scheme 6
Scheme 6: Rear Output Shaft Housing Disassembly
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Rear Output Drive Gear Nut TIP: Use a 30 mm socket or J 29873 Injector Nozzle Socket 30 mm J 29873 . Special Tools J-08614-A Pinion Flange Holder and Remover J 29873 Injector Nozzle Socket 30 mm For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Flange Special Tools DT-48146 Press Support For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 3 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Use a press to remove the output shaft from the housing. |
| 4 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Bearing Spacer |
| 5 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft |
| 6 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Oil Slinger TIP: Remove the slinger only if damaged. Refer to Rear Output Drive Housing Cleaning and Inspection . |
| 7 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Seal TIP: Discard the seal after removal. |
Rear Output Shaft Housing Disassembly
Scheme 7
Scheme 7: Intermediate Drive Shaft Disassembly
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Half Shaft Retainer |
| 2 | O-Ring |
| 3 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft Bearing Retainers (Qty: 2) |
| 4 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Use a press, with the J 22912-B Rear Pinion and Axle Bearing Remover J 22912-B flat side up, in order to remove the bearing assembly. Special Tools J 22912-B Rear Pinion and Axle Bearing Remover For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
Intermediate Drive Shaft Disassembly
Scheme 8
Scheme 8: Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection
| Callout | Component Name |
| CAUTION: Refer to Machined Surface Damage Caution . Preliminary Procedure Clean the left and right transfer case housings in cleaning solvent and air dry. The transfer case internal components are not to be serviced. If the internal components are damaged, the transfer case must be replaced. |
| 1 | Transfer Case- Left and Right TIP: Inspect for cracks, broken areas, or other damage. The transfer case assembly must be replaced if damage is found. |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Drive Housing Bore TIP: Repair small scratches or nicks with light sanding. |
| 3 | Case Sealing Surface TIP: Repair small scratches or nicks with a soft stone. |
| 4 | Transfer Case Bearing Races TIP: Replace the transfer case assembly if a bearing has spun or if cracks are detected. |
| 5 | Transfer Case Thread Bolt Holes TIP: Repair any damaged threads. |
| 6 | Transfer Case Half Locating Pin Holes |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Machined Surface Damage Caution . |
Transfer Case Cleaning and Inspection
Scheme 9
Scheme 9: Rear Output Drive Housing Cleaning and Inspection
| Callout | Component Name |
| Preliminary Procedures Clean all components in cleaning solvent and air dry. The transfer case internal components are not to be serviced. If internal components other than seals are damaged, the transfer case must be replaced. |
| 1 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Flange Replace if flange, threaded holes, or splines are damaged. Inspect sealing surface for corrosion, excessive wear, or damage. |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Oil Slinger TIP: Replace the slinger if damaged, cracked, loose, or distorted. |
| 3 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Inspect bearings for roughness, spalling, or pitting. |
| 4 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing Inspect for cracks, broken areas, or other damage. Inspect bearing races for roughness, brinelling, or pitting. Inspect the O-ring channel for porosity or damage. Scratches or nicks in other areas may be repaired with light sanding. |
| 5 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Splines TIP: Inspect for damage and press fit to flange. |
| 6 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft TIP: Inspect for pitting, excessive wear, or damage. |
Rear Output Drive Housing Cleaning and Inspection
Scheme 10
Scheme 10: Input Shaft Seal Replacement - Right
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Input Shaft Seal - Right CAUTION: Do not use a screwdriver or punch to remove the seal. Using a screwdriver or punch to remove the seal may damage the aluminum housing sealing surface. Special Tools DT-48074 Input and Output Shaft Seal Installer J-8092 Driver Handle DT-26941/KM-J-26941 Bushing and Bearing Remover - 3-4 in DT-45124 Removal Bridge For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| CAUTION |
| Do not use a screwdriver or punch to remove the seal. Using a screwdriver or punch to remove the seal may damage the aluminum housing sealing surface. |
Input Shaft Seal Replacement - Right
Scheme 11
Scheme 11: Input Shaft Seal Replacement - Left
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Input Shaft Seal - Left CAUTION: Do not use a screwdriver or punch to remove or install the seal. Using a screwdriver or punch to remove or install the seal may damage the aluminum housing sealing surface. Procedure Lightly lubricate the outer diameter (OD) of the seal with clean gear lube prior to installation. To ensure proper alignment and depth of the seal, take four measurements every 90 degrees around the seal circumference, verifying uniform depth. The distance from the top face of the machined surface of the bore to the metal flange of the seal should be 17.7 +/- 0.1 mm (0.697 +/- 0.004 in). Failure to follow these instructions will result in replacement seal failure. TIP: Alignment of seal is critical and use of correct tool is necessary. The machined surface of the bore must be clean and free from scratches or nicks. Special Tools DT-48074 Input and Output Shaft Seal Installer J-8092 Driver Handle J-26941 Bushing and Bearing Remover - 3-4 in J-45124 Removal Bridge For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| CAUTION |
| Do not use a screwdriver or punch to remove or install the seal. Using a screwdriver or punch to remove or install the seal may damage the aluminum housing sealing surface. |
Input Shaft Seal Replacement - Left
Scheme 12
Scheme 12: Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Seal Replacement
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Front Drive Axle Intermediate Shaft Seal Assembly TIP: Inner Drive Shaft Seal Installer seats the seal to a specific depth. Other installation methods may set the seal to a non-functional depth. Special Tools DT 48078DT-48078 Inner Drive Shaft Seal Installer J 8092 Driver Handle For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Seal Replacement
Scheme 13
Scheme 13: Input Shaft and Rear Output Drive Shaft Cleaning and Inspection
| Callout | Component Name |
| Preliminary Procedures Clean all components in cleaning solvent and air dry. The transfer case internal components are not to be serviced. If internal components other than seals are damaged, the transfer case must be replaced. |
| 1 | Transfer Case Input Shaft Gear TIP: Inspect for pitting, excessive wear, or damage. |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Drive Shaft Gear TIP: Inspect for pitting, excessive wear, or damage. |
| 3 | Transfer Case Input Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Inspect bearings for roughness, spalling, or pitting. |
| 4 | Transfer Case Rear Output Drive Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Inspect bearings for roughness, spalling, or pitting. |
Input Shaft and Rear Output Drive Shaft Cleaning and Inspection
Scheme 14
Scheme 14: Intermediate Drive Shaft Assembly
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft |
| 2 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft Bearing Retainers (Qty: 2) |
| 3 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Use a press, with the J-22912-B Rear Pinion and Axle Bearing Remover flat side up, in order to install the bearing assembly. Special Tools J-22912-B Rear Pinion and Axle Bearing Remover For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 4 | O-Ring |
| 5 | Half Shaft Retainer |
Intermediate Drive Shaft Assembly
Scheme 15
Scheme 15: Rear Output Shaft Housing Assembly
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Bearing Spacer |
| 3 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing |
| 4 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Bearing Assembly TIP: Use a press with the J-5590 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Rear to install the housing and bearings to the output shaft. Special Tools J-5590 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Rear For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 5 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Seal TIP: Use a press with the DT-48075 Output Shaft Seal Installer to install the seal. Special Tools DT-48075 Output Shaft Seal Installer For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
Rear Output Shaft Housing Assembly
Scheme 16
Scheme 16: Output Flange Installation
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Oil Slinger TIP: Use a press with the DT-48077 Output Shaft Slinger Installer in order to install the slinger. Special Tools DT-48077 Output Shaft Slinger Installer For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Flange TIP: Use a press with the J-5590 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Rear to install the flange. Special Tools J-5590 Pinion Bearing Race Installer - Rear For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 3 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . The rear output shaft nut is supplied with a dry retaining compound patch. If reusing the nut, apply the compound patch to the threads. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers Use a 30 mm socket or the J 29873 Injector Nozzle Socket 30 mm and the J-08614-A Pinion Flange Holder and Remover . Tighten 235 N.m (173 lb ft) Special Tools J 29873 Injector Nozzle Socket 30 mm J-08614-A Pinion Flange Holder and Remover For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Fastener Caution . |
Output Flange Installation
Scheme 17
Scheme 17: Right Transfer Case, Input Shaft, and Output Drive Shaft Installation
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Half Locating Pins |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Drive Shaft |
| 3 | Transfer Case Input Shaft TIP: Install the input and output shafts as a set with the splines engaged. |
| 4 | Transfer Case Seal |
| 5 | Transfer Case - Right |
| 6 | Transfer Case Half Bolts (Qty: 12) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 29 N.m (21 lb ft) |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Fastener Caution . |
Right Transfer Case, Input Shaft, and Output Drive Shaft Installation
Scheme 18
Scheme 18: Rear Output Shaft Housing Installation
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing Seal O-Ring |
| 2 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shim |
| 3 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing CAUTION: Do not use a drive hammer when the splines are not engaged. Use of a drive hammer when the splines are not engaged will damage the output shaft teeth. Use of a heat gun allows easy alignment of the bolt holes to the housing during assembly. Rotate the pinion gear during assembly to engage the gear teeth. Special Tools J-25070 Heat Gun - 500-750F For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 4 | Transfer Case Rear Output Shaft Housing Bolts (Qty: 6) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 29 N.m (21 lb ft) |
| CAUTION |
| Do not use a drive hammer when the splines are not engaged. Use of a drive hammer when the splines are not engaged will damage the output shaft teeth. |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Fastener Caution . |
Rear Output Shaft Housing Installation
Scheme 19
Scheme 19: Intermediate Drive Shaft Installation
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft CAUTION: DT-48094 must be used over the intermediate shaft prior to installation in order to protect the intermediate shaft seal from damage. Special Tools DT-48094 Inner Drive Shaft Seal Protector J-25070 Heat Gun - 500-750F For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools . |
| 2 | Front Wheel Drive Retainer |
| CAUTION |
| DT-48094 must be used over the intermediate shaft prior to installation in order to protect the intermediate shaft seal from damage. |
Intermediate Drive Shaft Installation
Scheme 20
Scheme 20: Housing O-Ring, Vent Assembly, Drain and Fill Plug Installation
| Callout | Component Name |
| 1 | Transfer Case O-Ring Seal |
| 2 | Transfer Case Vent Assembly TIP: Replace the vent if damaged or blocked. |
| 3 | Drain Plug CAUTION: Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Caution . Tighten 39 N.m (29 lb ft) |
| 4 | Fill Plug Tighten 39 N.m (29 lb ft) |
| 5 | Transfer Case Heat Shield |
| 6 | Transfer Case Heat Shield Bolts (Qty: 3) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 11 N.m (97 lb in) |
| 7 | Transfer Case Bracket |
| 8 | Transfer Case Bracket Bolts (Qty: 2) TIP: Tighten the bracket bolts to light assembly torque. Tighten to specification after the transfer case is mounted in the vehicle. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Caution . |
| CAUTION |
| Refer to Fastener Caution . |
Housing O-Ring, Vent Assembly, Drain and Fill Plug Installation
Scheme 21
Scheme 21: Transfer Case Description and Operation