GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2009 🢒 VUE - AWD 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Wheel Drive Shafts 🢒 Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Special Tools

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
  3. Insert a drift or punch into the rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
  4. Using the appropriate tool, loosen the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.

    5. Object Number: 1840032 Size: SH

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

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

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

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

    9. Object Number: 1842927 Size: SH

    Note: 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.

  9. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
  10. Remove the wheel drive seal.

    11. Object Number: 931469 Size: SH

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

  11. 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

    Note: 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.

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

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

    6. Object Number: 1843399 Size: SH
  6. Insert a drift or punch into the rotor and against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

    7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  7. Tighten the wheel drive shaft spindle nut. Tighten the nut to 205 N·m (151 lb ft).
  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.