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
    • J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 686108  Size: SH
  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Inspect the ball joints. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection .
  5. Important: The wheel drive shaft nut must not be reused. Replace the wheel drive shaft nut with new nut whenever it is removed.

  6. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut.
  7. Release the parking brake.
  8. Remove and support the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Remove the nut securing the park brake cable routing bracket, if necessary.

  10. Object Number: 766369  Size: SH
  11. Remove the bolt (2) retaining the rear tie rod end from the rear suspension knuckle; do NOT loosen the tie rod end jam nut.
  12. Loosen, but do not remove, the bolts securing the park brake cable bracket to the suspension knuckle.
  13. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

  14. Object Number: 689912  Size: SH
  15. Install the J 42129 onto the wheel hub and secure with wheel nuts.
  16. Begin to disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing.

  17. Object Number: 766370  Size: SH
  18. Remove the bolt (1) and nut securing the upper control arm to the suspension knuckle.
  19. Disengage the wheel drive shaft completely from the wheel hub and bearing.

  20. Object Number: 766372  Size: SH
  21. Reposition the suspension knuckle toward the rear of the vehicle.
  22. Remove the J 42129 from the wheel hub.

  23. Object Number: 754567  Size: SH

    Important: Support the wheel drive shaft until it is removed.

  24. Assemble the J 33008-A , J 29794 , and J 2619-O1 .
  25. Install the J 33008-A evenly onto the rear beveled surface of the wheel drive shaft inner joint housing.
  26. Disengage the wheel drive shaft from the rear axle differential using the J 33008-A , J 29794 , and J 2619-O1 , then remove the tool assembly.
  27. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
  28. Important: The differential output shaft oil seal must be replaced when removing the rear wheel drive shaft.

  29. Replace the rear wheel drive shaft oil seal. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side or Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side in Rear Drive Axle.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Support the wheel drive shaft until it is completely installed.


    Object Number: 766371  Size: SH
  1. Position the wheel drive shaft to the differential output shaft.
  2. Important: Do not damage the differential output shaft oil seal.

  3. Carefully align and guide the wheel drive shaft onto the differential output shaft.
  4. Install the wheel drive shaft fully onto the differential output shaft using light force.
  5. Verify that the wheel drive shaft is fully seated on the differential output shaft retaining ring by grasping the inner tripot housing and pulling outward. Do not pull on the wheel drive shaft bar.
  6. The wheel drive shaft will remain firmly in place when properly engaged.

  7. Begin to position the suspension knuckle to the wheel drive shaft.
  8. Align and carefully guide the wheel drive shaft into the hub and bearing but do not seat fully.

  9. Object Number: 766370  Size: SH
  10. Position the suspension knuckle to the upper control arm.
  11. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  12. Install the bolt (1) and nut to the upper control arm/suspension knuckle assembly.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  14. Secure the park brake cable bracket.

  15. Object Number: 766369  Size: SH
  16. Install the rear tie rod to the rear suspension knuckle.
  17. Install the tie rod-to-knuckle bolt (2).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  19. Install the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  20. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
  21. Install the park brake cable routing bracket, if removed.
  22. Install the park brake cable routing bracket nut, if removed.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 686108  Size: SH
  24. Set the park brake.
  25. Install a NEW wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
  26. Slowly tighten the nut in order to draw the wheel drive shaft spindle into the wheel hub and bearing.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel drive shaft spindle nut to 260 N·m (192 lb ft).

  28. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  29. Lower the vehicle.
  30. Release the park brake.