Axle Shaft: Installation
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NOTE:
Clean the steering knuckle and the wheel drive shaft splines and threads. These areas must be dry and free of grease, dirt, and contamination.
NOTE:
Use only a genuine GM front wheel drive shaft nut. Installation of anything but an OEM front wheel drive shaft nut could cause damage to the vehicle.
- Wrap shop towels around both the inner and the outer wheel drive shaft boots in order to avoid damage to the boots during removal and installation. Insert the wheel drive shaft splined shank into the knuckle hub.
- Install the washer and the new hub nut to the wheel drive shaft. DO NOT tighten the new hub nut at this time. Attach the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to the output shaft flange using the inboard flange bolts.
- Insert a drift or a large screwdriver through the brake caliper into 1 of the brake rotor vanes in order to prevent the axle shaft from turning. See Fig 1. Tighten the inboard flange bolts and hub nut to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Remove the drift from the rotor. Install the drive axle center cap, if equipped. Install the stabilizer shaft link. See STABILIZER SHAFT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate FRONT SUSPENSION article. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Tighten bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Lower the vehicle.