GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Left

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
    • J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
    • J 29794 Extension
    • J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
    • J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator

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

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the left wheel and tire. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  4. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
  5. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Outer Tie Rod replacement in Power Steering System.
  6. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 41820 . Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

  7. Object Number: 40253  Size: SH
  8. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J 28733-B . The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.

  9. Object Number: 284290  Size: SH
  10. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.
  11. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.
  12. Use the J 33008 , the J 29794 and the J 2619-01 to separate the axle from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 284290  Size: SH

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

  1. Seat the front wheel drive axle into the transaxle.
  2. Verify that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.
  3. Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outboard. Do not pull on the front wheel drive axle shaft.

    The front wheel drive axle will remain in place when the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.

  4. Install the front wheel drive axle into the front wheel drive shaft bearing.
  5. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  6. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  7. 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.

  8. Install a new front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the front wheel drive shaft nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

  10. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  11. Install the left wheel and tire. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Inspect the transaxle fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transmission.
  14. Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications and Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Right

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
    • J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
    • J 29794 Extension
    • J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
    • J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator

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

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the right wheel and tire. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  4. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
  5. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  6. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 41820 . Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

  7. Object Number: 40253  Size: SH
  8. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J 28733-B . The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.

  9. Object Number: 284291  Size: SH
  10. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.
  11. Use the J 33008 , the J 29794 and the J 2619-01 to separate the axle from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 284291  Size: SH

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

  1. Seat the front wheel drive axle into the transaxle.
  2. Verify that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.
  3. Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outboard. Do not pull on the front wheel drive axle shaft.

    The front wheel drive axle will remain in place when the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.

  4. Install the front wheel drive axle into the front wheel drive shaft bearing.
  5. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  6. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  7. 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.

  8. Install a new front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the front wheel drive shaft nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

  10. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  11. Install the right wheel and tire. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Inspect the transaxle fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transmission.
  14. Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications and Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.