Hey Y'all, I am reaching out because I broke the right axleshaft tube and I need to replace it. I hear it's fairly simple yet I've never done a job like this before. I have most of the tools needed for the Job but I'm sure not everything. I do have the Haynes manual but it doesn't tell me everything with this job. If you are experienced with this job I'd greatly appreciate your input. I want to know everything I should have and expect when doing this type of work. I appreciate you and your time. Thanks In advance!!

 

Do you know what caused it to break? If not, you should verify it wasn’t due to the differential gears or bearings binding or locking up unintentionally.

The tube itself isn’t that difficult to remove. You’ll want to loosen the mounts on the left side to allow for a little tilting as you work to remove/install them.

If you disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman and idler arms, you can gain some working room by resting the linkage against the lower control arms as far forward as possible.

 

I was jacking up the tahoe with the cross member when somehow the jack slipped off of the member maki g the shaft land in the jack and breaking the housing. By the look of the diagram it should be easy to rebuild the unit with the new housing or... do you think this can be welded?

 

It’s hard to tell - I’d want to remove the tube for a complete inspection of the tube and diff first.

Given the cause of the break, I’d want to verify the case isn’t also damaged - it may look OK now but there could be damage you can’t see until the tube is off. Inspect it thoroughly for cracks in the case and make absolutely certain the diff carrier bearing isn’t damaged.

My hesitation with welding it is making sure the tube and flange are square and maintain the original alignment.

If the flange is crooked relative to the tube, it could make re-assembly more difficult because the axle and diff won’t line up correctly. It would also create uneven pressure on the bearings as well as cause runout at the stub-to-CV axle flange - all things that are sure to interfere with normal axle engagement, cause unusual noise/vibrations, and wear out parts faster.

Given the tubes can be found for $100 - $300, I’d just replace it as long as the case isn’t also damaged. If the case is damaged, I’d be trying to source a complete replacement from a salvage yard.

You should also verify the axle shaft isn’t bent.

 

I want to replace it but for some reason the part is hard to find. I looked at rockauto and i thought id find it there. It makes sense about the welding. I dont want to take any chances. Do they sell complete units or do I have to rebuild it?

 

I’m not sure - that question will probably best be answered by a knowledgeable and experienced parts person.

My guess is if there was/is enough demand for an axle tube assembly, GM and/or the aftermarket would have something available - however, a lot of things changed after 2020, so it may have been available a few years ago and isn’t anymore.

You may also find something available directly from GM by entering the VIN on a GM parts website - typically the local GM dealer will have customer access for their parts diagrams; or you can try calling the parts counter at the local dealer.

 

**UPDATE**
I HAVE SINCE TAKEN THE TIME TO PUT THE PART TOGETHER AND ORDER NEW PIECES FOR IT. I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING THE NEW PART ON AND WANTED TO KNOW IF YALL KNEW THE TORQUE SPECS FOR REASSEMBLING THIS TO THE FRONT DIFF? I AM UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT 59FT POUNDS IS APPROPRIATE FOR THIS. I MADE ANOTHER MISTAKE AND PURCHASED A PITTSBURGH TORQUE WRENCH AND IT WAS BROKEN OUT OF THE BOX. I USED IT TO TORQUE MY BOLTS BUT BROKE ONE BECAUSE OF THIS. I SINCE WENT AND PURCHASED AN ICON brand TORQUE WRENCH and new bolt and bolt extraction kit. All in all it looks good on the truck AND I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE REBUILT PART.

The rebuilt part I had to put together

 

Sorry for the delayed response - it’s been a very busy start to summer.

If you’re still needing an answer, the spec for the tube to housing bolts is 30 ft-lbs and the mounting bolts are 75 ft-lbs.