Front Drive Axle Inner Stub Shaft Bearing Replacement

Tools Required

• J 29369-2  Bushing/Universal Remover. See Special Tools .
• J 4972-4  Output Shaft Needle Bearing Installer. See Special Tools .

Fig 1: Differential Bracket & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. Remove the 3 bolts from the bracket (1).
2. Remove the bracket (1).
Fig 2: Drain Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Remove the drain plug (1).
Fig 3: Fill Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Remove the fill plug (1) and drain the fluid.
Fig 4: Removing Bolts From Side Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Remove all bolts (2) from the side cover (1).
6. Use the pry point relief slots to remove the cover.
Fig 5: Removing Carrier Assembly From Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Remove the carrier assembly (1) from the housing.
Fig 6: Removing Stub Shaft Inner Bearing From Carrier Bore
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Perform this step only if the bearing needs to be replaced. Do not use the old bearing again.
8. Using J 29369-2  and a slide hammer, remove the stub shaft inner bearing (1) from carrier bore. See Special Tools . OTC 8007 adaptors may be needed to assist in the removal.
Fig 7: Installing Axle Shaft Bearing On Carrier
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Using J 4972-4  and a driver, install the axle shaft bearing (1) to the carrier until the bearing seats. See Special Tools .
Fig 8: Cleaning Carrier Assembly Housing Sealing Surface
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Do not use motor-powered tools to clean surfaces.
10. Clean the carrier assembly housing sealing surface (1) with solvent and scrape it clean with a razor blade.
Fig 9: Cleaning Cover Sealing Surface
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Clean the cover sealing surface (1) with solvent and scrape it clean with a razor blade.
Fig 10: Installing Carrier Assembly To Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Grease the seal lips in order to protect the seal and to ease in assembly.
12. Install the carrier assembly (1) to the housing.
Fig 11: Applying Sealer To Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply excess sealer. Excess sealer could cause premature failure.
13. Apply a 2-3 mm (0.8-0.12 in) amount of sealer Saturn P/N 1052943 or equivalent to the housing (1).
Fig 12: Side Cover & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: Grease the seal lips in order to protect the seal and to ease in assembly. Coat the bolt threads with sealant Saturn P/N 12345382.
14. Install the side cover (1) and bolts (2 and 3) to the housing.

    There is not a specific tightening sequence, but the bolts with dowel pins should be tightened first, and alternate the others from side to side.

    Tighten:  Tighten the side cover bolts to 37 N.m (27 lb ft).

15. Install the drain plug. Apply sealant Saturn P/N 21485278 to the threads.

    Tighten:  Tighten the drain plug 24 N.m (18 lb ft).

16. Fill the transfer case with fluid, after it is installed in the vehicle, to the bottom of the fill plug hole, or 540 ml (18.2 oz).
17. Install the fill plug. Apply sealant Saturn P/N 21005994 to the threads.

    Tighten:  Tighten the fill plug 15 N.m (11 lb ft).