Axle Shaft: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Required Tools: Slide Hammer (J-2619-01), Axle Shaft Remover Extension (J-29794), Axle Shaft Puller (J-33008-A) and Wheel Hub Remover (J-42129).
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove tire and wheel assembly. Remove engine splash shield.
- Insert a drift or punch through the brake caliper and into the brake rotor in order to prevent the wheel hub and bearing from turning. See Fig 1 . Remove the axle shaft spindle nut.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link. See STABILIZER SHAFT LINK under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate SUSPENSION - FRONT article.
- Disconnect outer tie rod end from steering knuckle. DO NOT loosen tie rod end jam nut. See OUTER TIE ROD END under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate STEERING GEAR article.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor and reposition the wiring harness away from the ball joint. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. See LOWER BALL JOINT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate SUSPENSION - FRONT article. Install the Wheel Hub Remover onto the wheel hub and secure with wheel nuts.NOTE: Be sure to support the axle shaft until it is fully removed from the vehicle.
- Using wheel hub remover, disengage the axle shaft from the wheel hub and bearing.
- Assemble axle shaft puller, the axle shaft remover extension, and the slide hammer. Using slide hammer with axle shaft remover extension and axle shaft puller assembled, disengage the axle shaft from the transaxle. Remove axle shaft from vehicle.