Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Buick LaCrosse and 2008 Buick Allure. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.
NOTE:
Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the wheel and the tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
- Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut (2). Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool (1) into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
- Disconnect the outer tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
- Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
- Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J 42129 . See Special Tools . The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.
- If necessary, remove the left front wheel drive axle (1) from the transaxle.
If necessary, remove the right front wheel drive axle (2) from the transaxle.
Use the J 33008-A , the J 29794 and the J 2619-01 to separate the axle from the transaxle. See Special Tools .