Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Aztek and 2004 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
IMPORTANT:
Prevent the seals (boots) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the seals (boots).
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the engine splash shield. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine in Body Front End.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor.
- Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut (2) and the ramped, 2-piece washer. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool (1) through the caliper and into the brake rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
Discard the wheel drive shaft nut.
- Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle; do NOT loosen the tie rod end jam nut. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
- Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
- Install the J 42129 onto the wheel hub and bearing and secure with wheel nuts. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- Using the J 42129 , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing and support the wheel drive shaft. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- Assemble the J 2619-O1 , the J 29794 , and the J 33008-A .
- Using the J 2619-O1 , the J 29794 , and the J 33008-A , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle. See Special Tools and Equipment .
- Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
- Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft retaining ring.
- On the right wheel drive shaft, the retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the inner tripot housing.
- On the left wheel drive shaft, the retaining ring is on the splined transmission output shaft.
IMPORTANT:
Note the relationship between the halves of the 2-piece ramped washer. The ramped sides must face each other when installing the washer.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing personal injury or damage to the vehicle.