Axle Shaft & Seal - Outer: Removal
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 19 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
When removing the axle shaft DO NOT rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will cause the gears to move. Misalignment of the gears will make the assembly difficult.
- Release the park brake. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear tire/wheel assemblies. Remove brake drums or rotors. Remove the rear steering gear assembly. See STEERING GEAR ACTUATOR & DIFFERENTIAL COVER .
- Remove the steering knuckle assembly. See STEERING KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY .
- Remove the lock clip from the axle shaft end. See Fig 1 . The lock clip is spring loaded and fits securely in the axle shaft slot and may need to be pushed off the shaft end with a screw driver or similar tool. Pushing the axle shaft inwards towards the gears my help in removal of the lock clip. Remove the axle shaft. Using appropriate seal puller, remove the axle shaft seal. See Fig 2 .