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 Remover
    • J 42129 Hub Spindle Remover

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 141983  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  4. Insert a drift (1) or similar tool into the rotor to prevent the rotor from rotating. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut (2) using a breaker bar.
  5. Disconnect the other tie rod assembly from the knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  6. Important: Be sure that the wheel speed sensor wiring harness is repositioned away from the ball joint after disconnecting the electrical connector from the sensor.

  7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor and reposition the wiring harness away from the ball joint.
  8. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  9. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel hub using theJ 42129 . The nut can be partially reinstalled to protect the threads.

  10. Object Number: 442399  Size: SH

    Important: Be sure to bottom out the threads as much as possible while assembling the J 2619-O1 the J 33008-A and theJ 29794 .

  11. Assemble the J 2619-O1 the J 33008-A and theJ 29794 .
  12. Use the J 2619-O1 , the J 33008-A and theJ 29794 to separate the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle.
  13. Remove the axle shaft from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 189013  Size: SH
  1. Install the axle shaft (2) to the transaxle (1).
  2. Verify that the wheel drive shaft is properly engaged:
  3. • Grasp the inner tripod housing and pull the inner housing outward. Do not pull on the wheel drive axle shaft .
    •  The wheel drive shaft will remain firmly in place when properly engaged.

    Object Number: 442471  Size: SH
  4. Install the wheel drive shaft (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  5. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  6. Connect the electrical connector to the wheel speed sensor.
  7. Connect the outer tie rod assembly to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  8. 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.

  9. Install the wheel drive shaft nut (3) to the axle shaft.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 385 N·m (284 lb ft).

  11. Connect the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.