GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
    • J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
    • J 29794 Extension
    • J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover

    Object Number: 40253  Size: SH

    Important: Prevent the boots from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the boots.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  4. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
  5. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut.

  6. Disconnect the tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Power Steering System.
  7. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
  8. Use the J 28733-B in order to remove the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing.
  9. Partially install the front wheel drive axle nut in order to protect the threads.


    Object Number: 217715  Size: SH

    Caution: Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing personal injury or damage to the vehicle.

  10. Use the J 33008 , the J 29794 and the J 2619-01 in order to separate the right side front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.

  11. Object Number: 259904  Size: SH
  12. Place a flat-bladed tool in the groove provided on the front wheel drive shaft tripot joint (inner joint) of the left side transaxle.
  13. Using the frame for leverage, separate the left side front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 217715  Size: SH

    Important: Be careful not to damage the boots and the clamps.

  1. Push the front wheel drive axle into the transaxle.
  2. Use the following steps in order to verify that the front wheel drive axle is seated:

    1.1. Grasp the inner joint housing.
    1.2. Pull on the inner joint housing.

    Do not pull on the front wheel drive axle shaft.

  3. Install the front wheel drive axle into the front wheel drive shaft bearing.
  4. Connect the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
  5. Connect the tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Power Steering System.

  6. Object Number: 259904  Size: SH

    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.

  7. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
  8. Install the new front wheel drive shaft nut.

    Tighten
    Tighten the front wheel drive shaft nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

  9. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  10. Install the wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.
  13. Fill as necessary.

  14. Inspect the alignment. Refer to Front Camber Adjustment and Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.