Outer Axle Shafts: Removal
- Unlock steering column. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. Insert a long drift or punch through caliper and into brake rotor vanes to prevent rotation. Remove axle hub nut and washer from axle shaft CV joint. See Figure.
- Remove long drift from brake rotor. Remove ABS wire and brake hose brackets from upper control arm and ball joint. Secure vehicle frame to hoist to prevent movement. Place a stand under lower control arm and support weight of steering knuckle. Partially reinstall axle hub nut. Using a brass drift, separate but DO NOT remove axle shaft from steering knuckle. Disconnect shock absorber from lower mount.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Remove cotter pin and nut from upper and lower control arm ball joint stud. Using pry bar, pry between upper or lower control arm and frame. Have an assistant hammer on appropriate steering knuckle during prying. Remove upper and lower ball joint from steering knuckle. Push axle shaft from steering knuckle. Wire steering knuckle aside. Lower stand from lower control arm.
- Remove front axle skid plate. Using a block of wood or brass drift, placed behind tripot housing, drive outer axle shaft out of front axle. Pull axle shaft straight out of front axle. Support axle shaft so as not to tear dust boot. DO NOT damage front axle outer seals.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.