GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Astro - 4WD 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Seal and Inner Shaft Bearing Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 23907 Slide Hammer
    • J 29369-1 Output Shaft Bearing Remover
    • J 42211 Axle Bearing Installer
    • J 42738 Seal Installer
    • J 8092 Driver Handle

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the left or the right wheel drive shaft as necessary. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  3. If replacing the left side seal and/or bearing, perform the following steps:
    4. 3.1. Remove the left inner axle shaft.
    3.2. Remove the inner axle shaft seal cover.
    3.3. Install the J 29369-1 to the backside of the inner axle shaft bearing.
    3.4. Install the J 23907 to theJ 29369-1 .
    3.5. Remove the inner axle shaft bearing by pulling on the J 23907 .
  4. Mount the inner axle shaft seal cover in a vise.
  5. Install the J 29369-1 to the backside of the inner axle shaft seal.
  6. Install the J 23907 to theJ 29369-1 .
  7. Remove the inner axle shaft seal by pulling on the J 23907 .
  8. If replacing the right side seal and/or bearing, perform the following steps:
    9. 8.1. Remove the inner axle shaft and housing assembly. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft and Inner Shaft Housing Replacement .
    8.2. Remove the inner axle shaft from the inner axle shaft housing. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft and Inner Shaft Housing Replacement .

    Object Number: 664084 Size: SH
    8.3. Install the J 29369-1 (2) to the backside of the bearing.
    8.4. Install the J 23907 (1) to the J 29369-1 (2).
    8.5. Remove the bearing and the seal by pulling on the J 23907 (1).

Installation Procedure
  1. If installing the right side bearing and/or seal, perform the following steps:
    2. 1.1. Install the bearing with the square shoulder in using the J 42211 and the J 8092 .

    Object Number: 664092 Size: SH
    1.2. Install the new axle shaft seal using the J 42738 .
    1.3. Install the inner axle shaft to the inner axle shaft housing. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft and Inner Shaft Housing Replacement .
    1.4. Install the inner axle shaft and housing assembly. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft and Inner Shaft Housing Replacement .
  2. If installing the left side bearing and/or seal, perform the following steps:
    3. 2.1. Install the bearing with the square shoulder in using the J 42211 and the J 8092 .
    2.2. Install the new axle shaft seal into the inner axle shaft seal cover using the J 23911 .
  3. Install the inner axle shaft seal cover.

    4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the inner axle shaft seal cover bolts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the inner axle shaft seal cover to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  5. Install the left inner axle shaft.

    6. Carefully tap the inner axle shaft into place with a soft mallet.

  6. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  7. Inspect the axle lubricant level and add, if necessary. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection .
  8. Lower the vehicle.