Installation Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Wrap shop towels around both the inner and the outer wheel drive shaft boots in order to avoid damage to the boots during removal and installation.
- Insert the wheel drive shaft splined shank into the knuckle hub.
- Install the washer (3) and the new hub nut (2) to the wheel drive shaft.
Do not tighten the new hub nut at this time.
- Attach the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to the output shaft flange using the inboard flange bolts (1).
- Insert a drift or a large screwdriver through the brake caliper into 1 of the brake rotor vanes in order to prevent the wheel drive shaft from turning.
Tighten:
- Tighten the inboard flange bolts to 79 N.m (58 lb ft).
- Tighten the hub nut to 240 N.m (177 lb ft).
- Remove the drift from the rotor.
- Install the drive axle center cap, if equipped.
- Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
- Install the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
Clean the steering knuckle and the wheel drive shaft splines and threads. These areas must be dry and free of grease, dirt, and contamination.
NOTE:
Use only a genuine GM front wheel drive shaft nut. Installation of anything but an OEM front wheel drive shaft nut could cause damage to the vehicle.
NOTE:
Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.