Axle Shaft: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT, 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 2003 Cadillac Escalade, 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT, and 2002 Cadillac Escalade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Clean the steering knuckle and the axle shaft splines and threads. These areas must be dry and free of grease, dirt, and contamination.
NOTE:
Use only a genuine GM(R) front axle shaft nut. Installation of anything but an OEM front axle shaft nut could cause damage to the vehicle.
- Wrap shop towels around both the inner and the outer axle shaft boots in order to avoid damage to the boots during removal and installation. Insert the axle shaft splined shank into the knuckle hub.
- Install the washer and the NEW hub nut to the axle shaft. DO NOT tighten the new hub nut at this time. Attach the axle 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 one 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 axle shaft center cap, if equipped. Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm and tighten fasteners to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install the wheel and tire assembly. Tighten wheel lug nuts to specification. Lower the vehicle.