Removal Procedure

Fig 1: Holding Brake Rotor With Drift Or Punch

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Insert a drift or punch (2) in the cooling fins of the brake rotor.
Rotate the brake rotor until the drift or punch contacts the brake caliper mounting bracket.
Using a breaker bar (1), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.

Fig 2: Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Fig 3: Wheel Lug Nuts & Axle Remover

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Install the lug nuts (2) in reverse with washers, so the flat part of the wheel nuts are facing the washers.

Using J-45859 Axle Remover (1) , separate the wheel drive shaft from the knuckle.
Remove the lower control arm from the knuckle. Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA) or Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNB)
Remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle. Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement

Fig 4: Protector Tool

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

May have to slide wheel drive shaft outboard just enough to gain access to install seal protector.

Carefully install the DT-51504 protector (1) over the front wheel drive shaft and slide into the transmission.

Fig 5: Wheel Drive Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

It may be necessary to have an assistant hold the knuckle assembly while removing the wheel drive shaft.
If removing the wheel drive shaft to service other suspension or driveline components, use care when removing or installing the wheel drive shaft so as not to damage the wheel drive shaft boots

Fig 6: Wheel Drive Shaft & Washer

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

If there is no washer on the wheel drive shaft, install a NEW washer.

Remove and discard the washer (1) from the wheel drive shaft (2). DO NOT re-use the washer, replace with NEW only.