Axle Shafts: Removal

Special Tools Required:  Transverse Spring Compressor (J-33432-A), Slide Hammer (J-2619-01), Extension (J-29794), Axle Shaft Remover (J-42128) & Rear Hub Spindle Remover (J-42129).

1. Shift the transmission into Park (A/T) or Neutral (M/T).
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Insert a drift or punch into the brake rotor cooling fins and against the brake caliper to prevent the wheel hub and bearing from turning. See Fig 1 .
6. Remove the spindle nut retaining the rear axle shaft to the hub.
7. Remove the drift or punch.
8. Release the parking brake.
9. Refer to the following steps for removal of the rear transverse spring.
   1. Measure the transverse spring stud height. See Fig 2 . This measurement will be used in the installation to set-up the vehicle trim height.
      NOTE: During this procedure, use care not to scratch the rear transverse spring.
   2. Install transverse spring compressor to the rear transverse spring, and compress the spring. See Fig 3 .
   3. Remove the retainers, nuts, bolts and insulators retaining the transverse spring to the lower control arms. See Fig 4 .
   4. Remove the rear transverse spring mounting bolts, spring spacers and insulators from the crossmember.
   5. Remove the rear transverse spring from the vehicle.
   6. If the transverse spring is to be replaced, release and remove transverse spring compressor from the transverse spring.
   NOTE: DO NOT loosen the outer tie rod jam nut.
10. Separate the outer tie rod end from the knuckle and reposition the tie rod toward the rear of the vehicle.
11. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
12. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the parking brake lever. See Fig 5 .
13. Remove the parking brake cable from the bracket and reposition toward the rear.
14. Install rear hub spindle remover onto the wheel hub and secure with wheel nuts.
15. Begin to disengage the axle shaft from the wheel hub and bearing. This will provide additional clearance to the lower ball joint nut.
16. Disconnect Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) position sensor link and shock absorber solenoid electrical connector, if equipped, from suspension knuckle. See Fig 6 and Fig 7 . Remove brake rotor, if necessary. See REAR BRAKE ROTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in DISC BRAKES article in HYDRAULIC - MECHANICAL in BRAKES. Separate the lower ball joint from the suspension knuckle.
17. Disengage the axle shaft completely from the wheel hub and bearing.
    NOTE: Be sure to support the axle shaft until it is removed.
18. Support the axle shaft.
19. Support the suspension knuckle and upper control arm and reposition the knuckle toward the front of the vehicle.
20. Assemble the slide hammer, extension and axle shaft remover.
21. Install the axle shaft remover evenly onto the rear beveled surface of the axle shaft inner joint housing.
22. Disengage the axle shaft from the rear axle differential using the tool assembly, then remove the tool assembly.
23. Remove the axle shaft from the vehicle.
24. Remove rear hub spindle remover from the wheel hub.

Fig 1: Removing Axle Shaft Nut & Washer

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Measuring Rear Transverse Spring Height

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Installing Transverse Spring Compressor

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 4: Identifying Transverse Spring-To-Lower Control Arm Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 5: Identifying Parking Brake Cable

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 6: Identifying Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) Position Control Link

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 7: Identifying Shock Absorber Solenoid Electrical Connector

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.