GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  3. Object Number: 1841932  Size: SH
  4. Insert a drift or punch into the rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  5. Using the appropriate tool, loosen the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.

  6. Object Number: 1840032  Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft spindle nut. Replace with NEW.

  7. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.

  8. Object Number: 1843365  Size: SH
  9. Using the J 42129 , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub/bearing.
  10. Remove the rear suspension knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement .

  11. Object Number: 728893  Size: SH
  12. Using a suitable tool, carefully release the wheel drive shaft from the rear drive module (RDM).

  13. Object Number: 1842927  Size: SH

    Important: Because of the design of the inner seal wheel drive shaft seal, the seal will be removed at the same time the wheel drive shaft is. Replace the seal, DO NOT re-use the seal.

  14. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
  15. Remove the wheel drive seal.

  16. Object Number: 931469  Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT re-use the retaining clip, replace with new.

  17. Remove the retaining ring from the tripod.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1843257  Size: SH
  1. Install the new retaining clip on the tripod.
  2. Install the new wheel drive shaft seal.
  3. • For the left side, refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side .
    • For the right side, refer to Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side .

    Object Number: 1843422  Size: SH

    Important: When installing the wheel drive shaft, you will notice a slight resistance. This is the wheel drive shaft seal. A snap or click should be heard when the wheel drive shaft is fully seated.

  4. Install the wheel drive shaft.
  5. Install the rear suspension knuckle. Refer to Knuckle Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 1840032  Size: SH
  7. Hand install a new wheel drive shaft spindle nut.

  8. Object Number: 1843399  Size: SH
  9. Insert a drift or punch into the rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  10. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  11. Tighten the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 205 N·m (151 lb ft).

  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  14. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.