Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Wheel Drive Shaft Oil Seal

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Use the J 35538 and a hammer in order to install a new wheel drive shaft oil seal (1):
Apply J 36850 to the new drive axle shaft oil seal lip. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Inspect the drive shaft sealing surface at the location of contact between the seal and the drive axle.
The drive axle surface should meet the following conditions:
- Smooth
- Free of scoring
- Free of burrs
Replace the wheel drive shaft if the sealing surface of the shaft is rough or scored. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front in Wheel Drive Shafts.
Install the oil seal into the transaxle.
IMPORTANT: The right oil seal installation depth should be approximately 1.6-2.2 mm (0.063-0.087 in).
The left oil seal installation depth should be approximately 0.6-1.2 mm (0.027-0.051 in).
Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front in Wheel Drive Shafts.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Install the transaxle drain plug (2) with a new gasket into the transaxle.
Tighten: Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
Add approximately 1.9 liters (2.0 qts) of API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or the equivalent, into the transaxle oil level/filler plug hole.
Ensure that the oil level is even with the bottom of the transaxle oil level/filler plug hole.
Install the transaxle oil level/filler plug (1) into the transaxle.
Tighten: Tighten the transaxle oil level/filler plug to 39 N.m (29 lb ft).
Remove the drain pan from under the transaxle.
Lower the vehicle.