SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE DRIVE AXLE REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Models 1987-89 6000, BONNEVILLE, Affected: SUNBIRD, AND GRAND AM

"This bulletin supersedes bulletin 89-4-1, dated 10/88. This bulletin is being revised to clarify Steps 3 and 6 under Install or Connect. "

The following procedure is for drive axle removal and replacement and replaces the procedure in the 1987 thru 1989 chassis service manuals.

TOOLS REQUIRED:

J 29330 Ball Joint Separator J 34754 Boot Protector (modified) J 28468 Axle Shaft Remover J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT:

1. Negative battery cable.

2. Raise car, see Section OA.

3. Tire and wheel assembly.

4. Install drive axle boot protector J 34754 on outer joint.

5. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

6. Shaft nut and washer.

7. Lower ball joint cotter pin and nut and loosen joint using J 29330. If removing right axle, turn wheel to the left, if removing left axle, turn wheel to the right.

NOTICE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from knuckle. Failure to use recormnended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

8. With pry bar between suspension support and lower control arm, separate joint.

9. Pull out on lower knuckle area and with a plastic or rubber mallet strike end of axle shaft to disengage axle from hub and bearing.

- Shaft nut can be partially installed to protect threads.

10. Separate hub and bearing assembly drive axle and move strut and knuckle assembly rearward.

11. Inner joint from transaxle using J 28468 or J 33008, or from intermediate shaft, if equipped.

INSTALL OR CONNECT:

1. Drive axle into transaxle or intermediate shaft by placing a screwdriver into the groove on the joint housing and tapping until seated. Verify that drive axle is seated by grasping on the inner joint housing and pulling outboard.

2. Drive axle into hub and bearing assembly.

3. Lower ball joint to knuckle and tighten ball joint nut to specification, (see service manual) .

4. Cotter pin.

5. Washer and new shaft nut.

6. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

IMPORTANT: USE TORQUE WRENCH TO TIGHTEN SHAFT NUT TO SPECIFICATION (SEE SERVICE MANUAL) .

TIGHTEN: SHAFT NUT TO 260 N.m (185 lbs. ft.)

7. Remove boot protector.

8. Tire and wheel assembly.

9. Lower car.

10. Negative battery cable.

Use applicable Labor Operation Number and Labor Time.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.