Cadillac 20768561 Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft

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Power is transmitted from the front differential/axle to the front wheels through a pair of axle shafts equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints capable of both angular and axial motion. The inner ends of the axle shafts are bolted to an axleshaft connected to the differential side gears, while the outer ends have a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut. The outer ends of the axle shafts are equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints capable of angular but not axial movement. It is important to inspect the boots periodically for damage and leaking lubricant, as torn CV joint boots must be replaced immediately to prevent damage to the joints. If a boot is damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire axle shaft assembly must be replaced as a unit. Symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include lubricant leaks, clicking noise in turns, clunk when accelerating after coasting, and vibration at highway speeds. To check for wear in the CV joints and axle shafts, grasp each axle and rotate it in both directions while holding the CV joint housings, feeling for play indicating worn splines or sloppy CV joints. It is also important to check the axle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

To remove a semi-floating axle shaft, first loosen the rear wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle on jackstands. Drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential cover. Remove the pinion shaft lock screw and withdraw the pinion shaft. For models with a locking differential, rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks. Remove the C-lock from the groove on the inner end of the axleshaft and withdraw the shaft, being careful not to damage the oil seal. To install, insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, install the C-lock, and insert the pinion shaft. Install the cover, fill the differential with lubricant, and install the brake disc or drum. For a full-floating axle shaft, remove the bolts attaching the flange to the hub and withdraw the shaft from the housing. To install, hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly.

After raising the vehicle and securing it on jackstands, you should pry off the hub cover and remove the driveaxle/hub nut while bracing the hub to prevent it from rotating.

The driveaxle/hub nut (new) and the flange bolts should be tightened to the torque values specifications during installation.

To remove and install components in the front differential for 4WD systems, follow these steps: Remove the bolts securing the axle tube to the differential carrier and the nuts attaching the tube to its support bracket. Carefully remove the output shaft tube, ensuring no components fall out. Mount the tube in a vise and remove the internal components. Measure and remove the axleshaft bearing using a slide hammer and bearing remover attachment. For installation, install the bearing to the original depth using a bearing driver or socket, then install a new seal and deflector, lubricating the seal lips with grease. Carefully drive in the axleshaft, followed by the internal components. Apply RTV sealant to the tube-to-differential housing mating surface, and install the tube assembly, tightening bolts and nuts to specified torques. Reinstall the driveaxle, front axle shift motor, and fill the differential with lubricant.

To install the rear axle assembly, the reverse order of removal should be followed. All suspension and brake fasteners should be tightened to the torque value specifications.

To remove and install components in the front differential for AWD systems, follow these steps: Remove the stabilizer bar link and, if applicable, the front shock absorber. Unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange, supporting it properly. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood. Remove nuts attaching the axle shaft to its support bracket and the bolts securing the axle shaft flange to the differential carrier. Use a brass punch and hammer to separate the axle shaft from the differential case side gear. Remove the inner axle shaft assembly and axle shaft. Replace the inner seal and bearing with a special tool, then apply RTV sealant to the differential sealing surface and install the inner axle shaft housing assembly. Install the axle shaft to the support bracket and align the splines with the differential side gear. Tap the axle shaft with a mallet until the ring (clip) aligns with the groove in the differential case side gear. Install the axle shaft to the inner flange and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the stabilizer link, fill the differential with lubricant, install the differential carrier splash shield, and finally, install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, and check for proper operation.

No, overhauling the differential requires special tools and is not cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

The initial steps are to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands.

After removing the differential cover, you need to remove the pinion shaft lock screw and withdraw the pinion shaft.