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.
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.