GM 22688596 Front Wheel Drive Shaft Assembly

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To remove the axle shaft, start by setting the parking brake and removing the wheel cover or hubcap. Then, remove the cotter pin from the axle shaft/hub nut and loosen the nut with a large socket and breaker bar. Next, loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and the axle shaft/hub nut and washer. Disconnect the tie-rod end and separate the control arm from the steering knuckle. To loosen the axle shaft from the hub splines, tap with a soft-faced hammer at its end or use a puller if necessary. Pull out on steering knuckle to detach it from hub suspending outer end with bungee cord or wire. Before removing axle shaft check for lubricant leakage around differential seal and replace if necessary. Position against inner joint a prybar then carefully pry it off transaxle side gear. Remove axle shaft assembly being careful not to over-extend inner joint or damage axleshaft boots. If transaxle stub shaft comes out with right side of axle shaft inspect oil seal for damage and replace as required. To install axle shaft remove old set-ring and replace with new one. Apply multi-purpose grease around joints' splines. Hold straight out axle shaft and push in sharply to seat set-ring of axle shaft. Check that set-ring has been properly seated by attempting to pull inner CV joint housing out of transaxle using hand only. Clean threads on outer CV joint of axle shaft and coat splines with multi-purpose grease. Guide axle shaft into hub splines then install new axle shaft/hub nut tightening it securely. Reconnect control arm and tie rod end before tightening suspension fasteners. Install wheel followed by lug nuts before lowering vehicle. Finally tighten down Axle Shaft/Hub Nut then install new cotter pin. Tighten wheel lug nuts + if needed add transaxle lubricant.

Reconnect the control arm and tie-rod end, then tighten the suspension fasteners.