Removal Procedure

Special Tools

• DT-51504  Seal Protector

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
3. Have an assistant apply the brakes.
Fig 1: Loosening Wheel Drive Shaft Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
4. Using the proper size socket and a breaker bar (1), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
Fig 2: Wheel Drive Shaft Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
5. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut (1). Replace with NEW only.
6. Using the appropriate tool, remove the wheel drive shaft from the rear wheel hub bracket.
7. Remove the rear wheel hub bracket. Refer to Rear Wheel Hub Bracket Replacement .
Fig 3: Wheel Drive Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
CAUTION:

DT-51504 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install the DT-51504 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to damage the differential output seal

8. Remove the wheel drive shaft (1) from the vehicle.