1997 - 2003 Corvette: Service Manual Update: Revised Output Shaft Seal Replacement Procedure

Subject: Revised Output Shaft Seal Replacement Procedure
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number:   03-04-20-002 - (01/31/2003)
Models: 1997-2003 Chevrolet Corvette

This bulletin is being issued to revise the Output Shaft Seal Replacement procedure in the Rear Drive Axle sub-section of the Service Manual to reflect the new special tool, J 46405. Please replace the current information in the Service Manual with the following information. The following information has been updated within SI. If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.

1997 Model Year

Tools Required

J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the appropriate rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the appropriate drive axle. Refer to Drive Axle Replacement in Drive Axle
    Important Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces when removing the differential output shaft seal.
  4. Remove the differential output shaft seal.

Installation Procedure

  1. Using the J 46405, install the differential output shaft seal.
  2. Install the drive axle. Refer to Drive Axle Replacement in Drive Axle.
  3. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Lower the vehicle.

1998-2003 Model Year

Tools Required

J 46405 Output Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the appropriate rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the appropriate drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
    Important Take care not to damage any sealing surfaces when removing the differential output shaft seal.
  4. Remove the differential output shaft seal.

Installation Procedure

  1. Using the J 46405, install the differential output shaft seal.
  2. Install the drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  3. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Lower the vehicle.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

Article ID: 397
Created: July 22, 2014
Last Updated: July 22, 2014
Author: Rob Loszewski

Online URL: https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article.php?id=397