Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 GMC Sierra, 2010 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2010 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the drive axle center cap, if equipped.
- Insert a drift or a large screwdriver brake rotor.
- Remove the nut and the washer from the wheel drive shaft.
- Using the J-45859: Axle Remover, remove the wheel drive shaft from the hub.
- Remove the 6 bolts (1) securing the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to the output shaft flange.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (1500) or Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (2500, 3500) .
- 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.
- Pull the wheel drive shaft through the lower control arm opening.
NOTE:
DO NOT reuse the wheel drive shaft nut. Discard and replace with new.
NOTE:
DO NOT remove the shop towel from the wheel drive shaft boots until the wheel drive shaft has been re-installed in the vehicle.