GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Chevy P12 Chassis 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Front Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Set the parking brakes
  2. Block the vehicle rear wheels.
  3. Raise the vehicle frame until the front tires clear the floor. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    4. Important: Do not use the front crossmember to support the vehicle or the crossmember may buckle.

  4. Support the frame using suitable safety stands.

    5. Object Number: 247017 Size: SH
  5. Remove the wheels, the hubs, and the bearings as needed. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  6. Remove the relay rod from the steering arm. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  7. Remove the tie rod arm and the steering arm as needed. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  8. Remove the brake lines and the hoses as needed, from each front brake assembly.
  9. Remove the following components from the lower brackets:
    10. • The nut
    • The washer
    • The insulators
    • The shock absorbers
  10. Remove the lower insulator and the washers from the shock absorber lower stem.

    11. Object Number: 247479 Size: MH
  11. Remove the nuts and the U-bolts.
  12. Lower the axle partially and remove the U-bolt spacer.
  13. Remove the following components:
    14. • The spring spacers
    • The shock absorber brackets
    • The spacers
  14. Remove the axle tie rod from under the vehicle.
  15. Clean the axle components using a cleaning solvent.
  16. Inspect the axle for wear and damage. Use Magna-Flux™ inspection equipment if available. Inspect the axle for the following conditions:
    17. • Minute cracks
    • Checks
    • Fractures
  17. Using alignment instruments, inspect the axle center for twist. If the axle center has been twisted or bent more than 5 degrees (13 mm or 0.5 in) from the original shape, replace the axle.
  18. Inspect the axle kingpin bore for the following conditions:
    19. • Scratches
    • Burrs
    • Corrosion
  19. Smooth the bore using a crocus cloth or a fine grit sandpaper if needed. Clean the bore.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 247479 Size: MH
  1. With the vehicle on a floor jack, install the axle tie rod.
  2. Raise the axle and align the spring center bolt to the axle.
  3. Install the following components:
    4. • The spring spacers
    • The shock brackets
    • The spacers

    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.

    Important: Assemble all of the components and remove all of the jacks and lifting devices before you finally tighten the suspension fasteners.

  4. Install the following components:
    5. • The U-bolts
    • The U-bolt spacers
    • The nuts

    Tighten
    Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 400 N·m (295 lb ft).


    Object Number: 247024 Size: SH
  5. Install the flat washer and the insulator onto the shock absorber lower stem.
  6. Install the shock absorber into the lower bracket.
  7. Install the following components:
    8. • The lower insulator
    • The flat washer
    • The nut

    Tighten
    Tighten the lower shock absorber nut to 84 N·m (62 lb ft).


    Object Number: 247017 Size: SH
  8. Install the wheels, the hubs, and the bearings as needed. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  9. Install the relay rod to the steering arm.
  10. Install the tie rod arm and the steering arm as needed.
  11. Remove the safety stands.
  12. Lower the vehicle.