GM 15522068 Axle Shaft

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Two types of rear axle shafts are used in the drive axles, Semi-floating and full-floating. Semi-floating axleshafts are supported at the outer ends of the axle tubes by roller bearings pressed into the outer end of the axle tube, and retained in the differential splines. Full-floating axleshafts ride in differential splines at their inner ends, and are bolted to the wheel hub at the outer end. 4WD models use a completely independent front axle assembly. It consists of a differential and a pair of drive axles. Each drive axle has an inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joint. Just like the transfer case, this offset differential is located to the left and thus there is more distance between it and right front wheel compared to left side wheel's one. This makes up for using two equal-length drive axles on both sides by employing extension axle shaft on its right side.

Remove the hubcap on the side the axle is being removed from. Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Loosen the hub nut 1/4-turn, then raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack-stands. Remove the wheel. Remove the skid plate (if equipped). Remove the stabilizer bar and separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the hub nut and washer. Remove the axle shaft flange bolts. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack. Separate the upper control arm from the steering knuckle. If necessary, detach the brake hose bracket and speed sensor wiring harness from the upper arm. Use a puller to push the outer axle end out of the hub assembly, then remove the axle assembly. Caution: Once the axle shaft or hub nut is removed, DO NOT allow the vehicle's weight to load the front wheels. This could cause the front wheel bearing inner races to separate, resulting in damage to the front brake and suspension components or personal injury. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the hub nut and the flange bolts to the torque. Tighten the upper ball joint-to-steering knuckle nut to the torque.

Twist the shaft slightly in both directions.

Disconnect the spring U-bolts, remove the spacers and clamp plates, and lower the jack under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly from under the vehicle.

Allow the lubricant to drain into a container.

Full-floating axleshafts ride in the differential splines at their inner ends and are bolted to the wheel hub at the outer end.

Use a puller to push the outer axle end out of the hub assembly, then remove the axle assembly.

Install the C-lock in the axle shaft groove and pull out on the flange to lock it.

Lower the vehicle weight onto the wheels before tightening the U-bolt nuts completely and bleed the brakes.

Use a pair of locking pliers.