To remove the driveaxle, block the front wheels to prevent rolling, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the wheels. Break the driveaxle/hub nut loose using a socket and large breaker bar, placing a prybar between two wheel studs for leverage. Discard the driveaxle/hub nut and push the driveaxle in slightly. Disconnect the ABS sensor electrical connector and remove the parking brake cable bracket fasteners and bracket. Support the lower control arm with a jack while unbolting the upper arm from the steering knuckle, the trailing arm, tie-rod, and shock absorber lower bolt. Unbolt the stabilizer link end from the lower control arm. For 2007 and earlier models, carefully pry the inner end of the driveaxle out of the differential, taking care not to damage the driveaxle oil seals or the differential seal, ideally using a plastic seal protector. For 2008 and later models, mark the relationship of the inner joint to the stub shaft, remove the mounting bolts and spacers, and pry the inner end of the driveaxle out of the stub shafts. Push the driveaxle out of the hub, using a soft-faced hammer or a puller if the splines are frozen. For installation on 2007 and earlier models, apply a light film of grease to the inner CV joint stub shaft where the seal rides, insert the splined end into the differential ensuring the spring clip locks in place, and take care not to damage the differential seal. Grease the outer CV joint splines, pry the knuckle, and insert the outer end into the hub. For 2008 and later models, set the inner joint onto the stub shaft, align the marks, install the spacers and bolts, and tighten the inner joint bolts to the specified torque. The remainder of the installation follows the reverse order of removal. Install a new driveaxle/hub nut and tighten it securely, but do not fully torque it until the vehicle is lowered to the ground. Finally, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque, and then tighten the driveaxle/hub nut to the torque before installing the wheel cover or hub cap.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist