Installation Procedure

Install a NEW washer (1) to the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig 1: Wheel Drive Shaft & Washer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the splines are past the DT-6332 protector.

Fig 2: Output Shaft Protector Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION: Wheel drive shaft seal protector must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install the wheel drive shaft seal protector as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.
Remove the DT-6332 protector from the differential output shaft seal.

Fig 3: Special Output Shaft Protector Tool
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the retaining ring is fully seated.
Confirm that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated by holding the inner housing and pull the inner housing outward
Install the front wheel drive shaft into the front wheel bearing/hub.
Install the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
Install the outer tie rod assembly at the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
Install the wheel drive shaft nut (2) to the wheel drive shaft (1) tighten in 3 passes.

Fig 4: Wheel Drive Shaft And Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
Insert a drift or punch in the cooling fins of the brake rotor.

Fig 5: Holding Brake Rotor From Rotating With Drift Or Punch
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Rotate the brake rotor until the drift or punch contacts the brake caliper mounting bracket.
Using a torque wrench (1) and the appropriate size socket, tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 150 N.m (111 lb ft).
Release the wheel drive shaft nut trough 45 degrees.
Retighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 250 N.m (185 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Lower the vehicle.
If the vehicle is equipped with a M32 MT or a AF40 AT, refill the transmission: Refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill (M.
- M32 MT, refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill
- AF40 AT, refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Fill
If the vehicle is equipped with an 6T30 or 6T40 automatic transmission, check the transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check .