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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Venture Base, Van Passenger >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 974 (Wheel Drive Shafts) >> Repair Instructions >> Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: View Of Tie Rod End To Steering Knuckle
    GM854972Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft spindle nut.
  4. NOTE: Hold the ball stud from turning when removing/installing the nut. The boot can become torn and damaged if the ball stud turns.
  5. Remove the outer tie rod end-to-steering knuckle nut. Do not loosen the tie rod end jam nut.
  6. IMPORTANT: Do not use a wedge type tool to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
    Fig 2: Separating Outer Tie Rod End From Steering Knuckle
    GM854983Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Using the SA91100C  separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. See Special Tools .
  8. Fig 3: View Of Lower Ball Joint Stud Cotter Pin & Nut
    GM929893Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the lower ball joint stud.
  10. Remove the ball joint stud nut.
  11. Fig 4: View Of Steering Knuckle & Lower Control Arm
    GM932518Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Using the J 43828  separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
  13. Fig 5: View Of Stabilizer Shaft & Link
    GM927949Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Using a backup wrench on the stud, remove the nut securing the lower stabilizer bar link and disengage the link.
  15. Disengage the wheel drive shaft spindle from the wheel hub assembly. If necessary, place a wood block against the end of the wheel drive shaft spindle and tap with a hammer to aid removal.
  16. IMPORTANT: Use care not to damage the joint seal when removing the wheel drive shaft.
    Fig 6: Disengaging Wheel Drive Shaft From Transmission Or Power Takeoff Unit (PTU)
    GM931473Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Assemble the J 45341  and the SA9173G  to the wheel drive shaft inner tripot joint. See Special Tools .
  18. IMPORTANT: On vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), the stub shaft may disengage from the power takeoff unit (PTU). If necessary, cap the opening in the PTU to prevent fluid loss.
  19. Disengage the wheel drive shaft from the transmission or power takeoff unit (PTU), if equipped.
  20. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.