Removal Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Fig 1: Holding Brake Rotor From Rotating 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

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

Fig 3: Knuckle Assembly Puller

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.

Using an appropriate tool, remove the wheel drive shaft (1) from the intermediate shaft.

Fig 4: 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.