Hi!

I have a '97 Chevy Astro Cargo RWD, equipped with some kind of limited slip differential. My problem is that I have to replace the oilseal on the left driveshaft, but to able to do that, it's necessarry to remove the driveshaft, and that's my problem. I have removed the rear axel cover and the pinion shaft lock bolt. My problem is that I cant remove the pinion shaft, it's almost stuck, only with a litte loose of a pair of mm. So I need advice how to remove the pinion shaft.

I would be werry glad if someone could help me with my problem.

 

How long was the bolt you removed? That bolt often breaks off just below the threaded section, leaving the long portion of the bolt still inside the pinion shaft. The whole thing ought to be about 2 inches long. If yours is broken off, you should be able to get the broken piece out by taking a small pick and turning it counter-clockwise to disengage the threads, and pull it out with a magnet. When you get it out, push the axle shaft in to release the C-clip on the end of the axle, then just pull the axle out. HTH. Good luck and God bless.
Revredneck

 

These bolts break all the time. I've removed several with different methods, sometimes causing damage in the process. I finally found a kit that solved my problem with these retaining pins. It's call a Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt Extractor Kit, ( wow that's a long name ), the one I got is made by Fabbri Associates, but I've seen them on Matco trucks too.

Hope this helps someone,
Jas