How do I change/replace/drain the rear axle grease in a 83 Monte Carlo?

Question

I think if Im under the car and looking at the rear and the driveshaft is above me; then the drain plug is near the driveshaft base on the right?

Am I wrong? Its like a rubber boot cover with a square wrench socket?

Ive looked for diagrams pics, D.I.Y. manuals etc..nothing..used google and metacrawler..no luck.

Please if someone knows I need to change it soon to preserve this beautiful car.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/devilmaycry1979/Picture102.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/devilmaycry1979/Picture103.jpg

Answer 1

To change the gear oil in the rearend of your Monte all you have to do is:

1) Place a drain pan under the center of the axle, unbolt the rear cover but not all the way, unscrew the bottom bolts almost all the way out but leave the top one only out far enough that you can break the seal on the gasket.

2) Get a flat wide pry bar and use it to break the gasket seal between the cover and housing. The oil will then run out into the drain pan.

3) Once all the oil has drained, remove all the cover bolts completely and remove the cover.

4) Using spray on gasket remover (Permatex is a good brand) coat the gasket surfaces and let it set for a few minutes. Scrape the mating surfaces between the cover and the housing clean with a wide metal paint scraper being careful not to gouge the surfaces with the tool.

5) After cleaning the surfaces, use a small amount of silicon (spelling?) sealer to stick the new gasket in place. Also run a small bead of sealer around the mating surface on the housing. Be sure to run the sealer UNDER all of the bolt holes to prevent leaks.

6) Bolt the cover back in place, and refill the housing with the proper type and amount of gear oil. There should be a bolt (like on your oil pan) on the cover to refill it, and it needs to be filled up to the bottom of the hole-when full it will start to dribble out. If you have a limited slip axle, be sure to use the aditive it requires. It's available from auto parts stores or any GM dealer.

I know this sounds like a lot of steps, but it really isn't. Once you have done it the first time, you'll always remember how.

BTW-The bolt you are looking at on the front of the axle near the driveshaft with the rubber hose on it...That's the axle vent.