Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Pontiac G5 and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Fig 1: View Of Brake Rotor, Caliper & Axle Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Steps 3, 4 and 5 is for standard disc brake only. For vehicles equipped with the Brembo brakes, proceed to step 6.

Insert a punch or drift (1) in the cooling fins of the brake rotor (2).
Position the punch or drift (1) against the brake caliper mounting bracket (5).
Using a breaker bar and the appropriate size socket (4), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut (3).
Have an assistant apply the brakes.

Fig 2: View Of Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the wheel drive shaft nut (2) from the wheel drive shaft (1) and discard. DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut. Use NEW nut only.

Fig 3: Separating Wheel Drive Shaft & Steering Knuckle

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Using the J 28733-B (2), separate the wheel drive shaft from the steering knuckle (1). See Special Tools .
Remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

Fig 4: Removing Wheel Drive Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: The transmission stub staff may still could be attached to the right wheel drive shaft and be removed at the same time as the wheel drive shaft. If this occurs, refer to Stub Shaft Removal

Using the J-2619-A and the J 45341 , remove the wheel drive shaft. See Special Tools .
If the wheel drive shaft seal is found to be defective, replace the seal. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Seal and Output Shaft Sleeve Replacement - Right Side .