GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2009 🢒 CTS 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Wheel Drive Shafts 🢒 Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side

Special Tools
    • J 2619-01 Slide Hammer With Adapter
    • J 29794 Extension
    • J 42943 Drive Axle Separator
    • J 44394 Seal Protector
    • J 45859 Wheel Hub Remover

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the right front outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

    4. Object Number: 926765 Size: SH
  4. Using a breaker bar and the proper size socket (1), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.

    5. Object Number: 1945639 Size: SH

    Note: DO NOT reuse the wheel drive shaft nut, replace with a NEW wheel drive shaft nut.

  5. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut (1).
  6. Remove the right front wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
  7. Remove the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement.

    8. Object Number: 899220 Size: SH

    Note: When servicing components other than the wheel drive shaft, ensure that the wheel drive shaft is supported with mechanics wire or equivalent or warp the boot with a clean shop towel so as not to damaged the wheel drive shaft boot.

  8. Using the J 45859 , remove the wheel drive shaft from the steering knuckle.
  9. Remove the J 45859 from the brake rotor.

    10. Object Number: 814136 Size: SH

    Caution: J-44394 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install J-44394 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.

  10. Using the J 2619-01 hammer , J 29794 extension , and the J 42943 separator , remove the wheel drive shaft from the differential enough to install J 44394 protector .

    11. Note: If the wheel drive shaft seal is found to be damage, replace the seal.

  11. Remove the wheel drive shaft and the J 44394 protector from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 814136 Size: SH
  1. Install the J 44394 protector in the differential assembly.
  2. Install the wheel drive shaft until the splines are past the J 44394 protector .
  3. Remove the J 44394 protector from the wheel drive shaft and continue to install the drive shaft until it is fully seated.
  4. To ensure that the wheel driver shaft is installed properly, grasp the inner tripod housing and pull it outward. DO NOT pull on the axle shaft.
  5. Install the right front wheel drive shaft into the wheel hub/bearing assembly.
  6. Install the upper ball joint in the steering knuckle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement.

    7. Object Number: 1945639 Size: SH
  7. Install the NEW wheel drive shaft nut.

    8. Object Number: 926765 Size: SH
  8. Insert a drift or punch (2)  in the brake rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket in order to keep it from turning.
  9. Using a breaker bar and the proper size socket (1), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut until the wheel drive shaft is fully seated in the wheel hub/bearing assembly.

    10. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  10. Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 215 N·m (158 lb ft).
  11. Remove the drift or punch (2)  from the brake rotor.
  12. Install the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.
  13. Install the right outer tie rod end. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  14. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  15. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.