GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1222744  Size: SH
  1. Press the brake pedal in order to disable the rotation of the hub.
  2. Loosen the caulking (1).
  3. Remove the drive axle shaft nut (3).
  4. Discard the nut.
  5. Remove the washer (2).

  6. Object Number: 1224508  Size: SH
  7. Remove the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
  8. Remove the transaxle under cover bolts (2).
  9. Remove the transaxle under cover (1).

  10. Object Number: 1224513  Size: SH
  11. Drain the transaxle fluid through the drain plug.
  12. Remove the strut bar. Refer to Strut Bar Replacement
  13. Notice: Use only the recommended tool for separating the tie rod from the knuckle/strut assembly. Failure to use the recommended tool may cause damage to the knuckle/strut assembly of the tie rod end.

  14. Separate the control arm ball joint (1) and the tie rod end from the knuckle (2). Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement

  15. Object Number: 1221286  Size: SH

    Important: Support the unfastened end of the drive axle. Do not allow the drive axle to dangle freely from the transaxle for any length of time after it has been removed from the wheel hub.

  16. Pull the drive axle shaft (1) from the wheel hub.

  17. Object Number: 1221291  Size: SH
  18. Insert a flat-head screwdriver between the transaxle case and the drive axle joint case (2).
  19. Notice: Refer to Drive Axle Notice in the Preface section.

  20. Remove the drive axle (1) from the transaxle.

Inspection Procedure


    Object Number: 1221296  Size: SH
  1. Inspect for worn or damaged spline of drive axle (1).
  2. Inspect for a leaking boot (2).
  3. Inspect for a bent shaft (3).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1221462  Size: SH
  1. Clean the transaxle seal.
  2. Install the drive axle into the transaxle.
  3. Install the wheel hub onto the drive axle shaft.
  4. Mount the knuckle onto the control arm ball joint. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1221283  Size: SH
  6. Install the control arm ball joint bolt (1).
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the control arm ball joint bolt to 50-70 N·m (36-52 lb ft).

  8. Install the tie rod into the knuckle and install the tie rod end joint castellated nut (2).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the tie rod end joint castellated nut to 30-55 N·m (21-41 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1221289  Size: SH
  10. Install the strut bar, strut bar mounting bolts (1) and castellated nut (2).
  11. Tighten

        • Tighten the strut bar mounting bolts 33-53 N·m (24-39 lb ft).
        • Tighten the strut bar castellated nut to 40-50 N·m (30-36 lb ft).

    Object Number: 1221294  Size: SH

    Important: Always use a new nut. Always peen the caulking nut with a punch and a hammer until the nut is locked into place on the wheel hub.

  12. Install the drive axle shaft nut (2).
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the drive axle shaft nut to 210 N·m (155 lb ft).

  14. Install the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

  15. Object Number: 1221459  Size: SH
  16. Tighten the drain plug (3).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 25-30 N·m (18-22 lb ft).

  18. Remove the oil level plug (1).
  19. Refill recommended fluid to the proper level.
  20. Tighten the oil level plug (2).
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the oil level plug to 36-54 N·m (26-40 lb ft).

    Classification
    75W-85 (GL-4)

    Capacity
    2.1L (2.21 qt)


    Object Number: 1221466  Size: SH
  22. Install the transaxle under cover with the bolts (1).
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle under cover bolts to 35-55 N·m (25-41 lb ft).