Axle Shaft: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Required Tools: Slide Hammer (J-2619-01), Front Hub Spindle Remover (J-28733-B), Axle Shaft Remover Extension (J-29794) and Axle Shaft Puller (J-33008-A).
- Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
- Insert a drift into the rotor and against the caliper to prevent the rotor from turning. Remove the axle shaft nut and the washer. See Fig 1 .
- Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle; DO NOT loosen the tie rod end jam nut. See TIE ROD END under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate STEERING GEAR article.
- Remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. See LOWER BALL JOINT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate FRONT SUSPENSION article.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor and reposition the wiring harness away from the ball joint. Remove the stabilizer link from the lower control arm. See STABILIZER LINK under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate FRONT SUSPENSION article.
- Install the front hub spindle remover on to the wheel hub and secure with wheel nuts. See Fig 2 . Using the front hub spindle remover, disengage the axle shaft splines from the hub and bearing assembly.
- Assemble the axle shaft puller, the axle shaft remover extension and slide hammer. Using the required tools, disengage the axle shaft from the transaxle. See Fig 3 .
- Remove the axle shaft from the vehicle.