To remove the driveaxles, first loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and securely support it on jackstands before removing the wheel. Insert a punch into the brake disc cooling vanes against the caliper mounting bracket, then break the driveaxle/hub nut loose with a socket and large breaker bar. If necessary, remove the front inner fender splash shields, then disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle and the stabilizer bar link from the stabilizer bar. Discard the driveaxle/hub nut and separate the control arm balljoint from the steering knuckle. Swing the knuckle/hub assembly out until the end of the driveaxle is free of the hub, tapping with a plastic hammer if needed, and support the outer end of the driveaxle to avoid strain on the inner CV joint. Secure the strut/knuckle/hub assembly out of the way. For the right driveaxle, carefully pry the inner CV joint off the intermediate shaft, and for the left driveaxle, pry the inner CV joint out of the transaxle, taking care not to damage the differential seal. Support the CV joints and remove the driveaxle from the vehicle, obtaining a new washer for installation if equipped. To install, pry the old spring clip from the inner end of the driveaxle or outer end of the intermediate shaft and install a new one, lubricating the differential seal or intermediate shaft O-ring with grease. Position the spring clip with the opening facing down, apply grease to the intermediate shaft splines, and push the inner CV joint into the differential side gear or onto the intermediate shaft, ensuring the spring clip locks in place. Check that the driveaxle retaining ring has seated securely, install the new washer on the outer CV end, apply grease or anti-seize compound to the outer CV joint splines, and install the stub axle into the hub. Insert the balljoint stud into the steering knuckle, tighten the bolt, reconnect the tie-rod end and stabilizer bar link, and tighten the fasteners. If removed, install the front inner fender splash shields, then install a new driveaxle/hub nut and tighten it. Finally, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. For the intermediate shaft, remove the right front driveaxle, then on applicable models, remove the bolts mounting the intermediate shaft bearing retainer or bracket bolts. Pull the intermediate shaft from the transaxle, lubricate the transaxle seal lips with grease, guide the intermediate shaft into the transaxle side gear, and install the bearing support mounting bolts hand-tight, ensuring the shaft is engaged. Tighten the bolts, install a new spring clip on the right front driveaxle for certain models, or a new O-ring and spring clip on the intermediate shaft for others, completing the installation in reverse order of removal.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist 
