GM 20875738 Front Wheel Drive Shaft Assembly

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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.

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly.

The drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts should be removed while having an assistant apply the brake to prevent the driveaxle from turning.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows:Loosen the wheel lug nuts.

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 a full-floating axle shaft, you need to remove the bolts attaching the flange to the hub and withdraw the shaft from the housing.

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 vehicle has a hypoid, semi-floating type rear axle assembly.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the differential carrier splash shield if equipped. Drain the lubricant from the front differential. For 4WD systems, unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange and support it out of the way. Remove the front axle shift motor and, if applicable, disconnect the front stabilizer link or remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly. On 2500/3500 models, remove the front axle bracket bolts and slide the bracket forward for additional clearance. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood.

The outer ends of the driveaxles have a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut.

If the vehicle has a differential carrier splash shield, it should be removed after removing the driveaxle/hub nut.

It is also important to check the driveaxle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

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

The next step is to drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential cover.

The drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts should be removed while having an assistant apply the brake to prevent the driveaxle from turning.

Yes, there is an optional locking limited-slip rear axle available.

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 a full-floating axle shaft, you should hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Finally, tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.

After raising the vehicle and supporting it on jackstands, a jack should be positioned under the rear axle differential housing.

The differential allows the outer rear wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner tire when going around a corner.

Before removing the rear axle assembly, the following components need to be removed: driveshaft, shock absorbers, vent hose, brake hose, rear brake assemblies, parking brake cables, and rear wheel speed sensors.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the differential carrier splash shield if equipped. Drain the lubricant from the front differential. For 4WD systems, unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange and support it out of the way. Remove the front axle shift motor and, if applicable, disconnect the front stabilizer link or remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly. On 2500/3500 models, remove the front axle bracket bolts and slide the bracket forward for additional clearance. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood.

Before removing a semi-floating axle shaft, you should loosen the rear wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle on jackstands.

Power is transmitted through a pair of driveaxles equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints capable of both angular and axial motion.