GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • KM-507-C Ball Joint Remover
    • KM-460-B Axle Shaft Remover

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1256192  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the axle shaft caulking nut. Discard the nut.

  4. Object Number: 1256193  Size: SH
  5. Remove the lower ball joint nut and bolt.
  6. Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  7. Separate the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint.

  8. Object Number: 1256194  Size: SH
  9. Remove the tie rod nut.
  10. Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  11. Separate the tie rod end using the KM-507-C  (1).
  12. Notice: Refer to Drive Axle Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1867494  Size: SH
  13. Remove the drive axle from the intermediate axle using the KM-460-B  (1).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1865144  Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage the seals.

  1. Clean the hub seal and transaxle seal.
  2. Install the drive axle into the intermediate axle shaft.
  3. Install the wheel hub onto the axle shaft.

  4. Object Number: 1256195  Size: SH
  5. Mount the steering knuckle onto the lower ball joint.

  6. Object Number: 1867495  Size: SH
  7. Install the tie rod into the knuckle/strut and install the tie rod nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the tie rod nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1256195  Size: SH
  9. Install the lower ball joint nut and bolt.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint nut and bolt to 105 N·m (77 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1256198  Size: SH
  11. Loosely install a new axle shaft caulking nut. Always use a new nut.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the axle shaft caulking nut to 320 N·m (236 lb ft).

  13. Peen the caulking nut with a punch and a hammer until the nut is locked into place on the axle shaft hub.
  14. Install the wheels. Loosely install the nuts. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  17. Refill the transaxle fluid to the proper level.