Installation Procedure

Install a NEW inner orange sealing ring (1) to the rear notch in the front wheel drive intermediate shaft.

Fig 1: Identifying Intermediate Sealing Rings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Install a NEW outer black sealing ring (2) to the front notch in the front wheel drive intermediate shaft.
Install a NEW washer (1) to the wheel drive shaft (2).

Fig 2: Wheel Drive Shaft & Washer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Grease the intermediate shaft splines. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants and Sealers .
Install the wheel drive shaft (3) to the vehicle.

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Drive Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
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 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.