GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 2619-O1 Slide Hammer
    • J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
    • J 33008-A Axle Shaft Puller

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 141983  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  4. Insert a drift or punch (1) through the brake caliper and into the brake rotor in order to prevent the wheel hub and bearing from turning.
  5. Remove the wheel drive shaft spindle nut (2).
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
  7. Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle; do NOT loosen the tie rod end jam nut. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor and reposition the wiring harness away from the ball joint.
  9. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
  10. Important: Be sure to support the wheel drive shaft until it is fully removed from the vehicle.

  11. Using the appropriate, separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing.

  12. Object Number: 217715  Size: SH
  13. Assemble the J 33008-A , the J 29794 , and the J 2619-O1 .
  14. Using the J 33008-A , the J 29794 , and the J 2619-O1 , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle.
  15. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 259904  Size: SH
  1. Install the wheel drive shaft to the transaxle.
  2. Verify that the wheel drive shaft is properly engaged to the transaxle by grasping the inner tripot housing and pulling outward. Do not pull on the wheel drive shaft bar.
  3. The wheel drive shaft will remain firmly in place when properly engaged.


    Object Number: 442471  Size: SH
  4. Install the wheel drive shaft to the hub and bearing (2).
  5. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
  6. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
  7. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

  8. Object Number: 141983  Size: SH
  9. Insert a drift or punch (1) through the brake caliper and into the brake rotor in order to prevent the hub and bearing from turning.
  10. 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.

  11. Install the nut to the wheel drive shaft spindle.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

  13. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  14. Install the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  16. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.