Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 GMC Acadia, 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2016 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Both the right and left wheel drive shafts are serviced the same.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Insert a brass drift or punch in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.
- Using the breaker bar and socket, loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.
- Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD)Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD) .
- Position the J 33008-A axle shaft puller, J 29794 axle shaft remover extension, and J 2619-01 slide hammer on the wheel drive shaft.
- Using the J 33008-A axle shaft puller, J 29794 axle shaft remover extension, and J 2619-01 slide hammer, remove the wheel drive shaft.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft through the knuckle.
- If servicing the right wheel drive shaft, remove the muffler assembly. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement (NB5)Exhaust Muffler Replacement (NEA/NED or N10) .
- Remove the retaining ring from the tripod.
NOTE:
The following procedure is to ensure that the wheel drive shaft assembly does not rotate while the nut is being removed or tighten.
NOTE:
DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut, discard and use NEW.
NOTE:
Because of the design of the wheel drive shaft inner seal, the seal will be removed at the same time the wheel drive shaft is removed. Replace the seal, DO NOT re-use the seal. Replace with NEW.
NOTE:
The rear knuckle does not have to be removed in order to service either the right or left rear the wheel drive shaft. The opening in the knuckle is large enough to allow the wheel drive shaft to pass through.
NOTE:
DO NOT re-use the retaining clip, replace with NEW.