Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Cadillac ATS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the right rear tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Non V-Series)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (V-Series October 4th 2015 and Earlier)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (V-Series October 5th 2015 and Later)
Exhaust Muffler - Remove - Exhaust Muffler Replacement (LCV)Exhaust Muffler Replacement (LF4)
Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Cover - Remove - Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Cover Replacement
Upper Control Arm@Knuckle - Separate - Upper Control Arm Replacement
Upper Trailing Arm@Knuckle - Separate Trailing Arm Replacement (Upper)Trailing Arm Replacement (Lower)

Fig 1: Different Design Of Axle Nuts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Two designs of axle nut can be encountered.
1. First Design (Staking Style) (1)
2. Second Design (Prevailing Torque Style) (2)
For first design (1):

Fig 2: Drive Shaft Slots

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION:

Make sure that the wheel drive shaft nut is fully un-staked to avoid damage to the wheel drive shaft threads during the removal of the wheel drive shaft nut. Failure to follow these instructions could result in wheel, nut, and/or stud damage.

Using a suitable punch and a hammer, unstake the drive shaft nut collar from the drive shaft slots.

Fig 3: Breaker Bar, Proper Size Socket And Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Do NOT use air tools to remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Use hand tools ONLY.

With the aid of an assistant holding the brake pedal down, use a breaker bar (1) and the proper size socket (2) to loosen the wheel drive shaft nut (3).

Fig 4: Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Wheel Drive Shaft Nut - Remove and DISCARD
For second design (2):

Fig 5: Breaker Bar, Proper Size Socket And Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Do NOT use air tools to remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Use hand tools ONLY.

With the aid of an assistant holding the brake pedal down, use a breaker bar (1) and the proper size socket (2) to loosen the wheel drive shaft nut (3).

Fig 6: Wheel Drive Shaft Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Do NOT reuse wheel drive shaft nut. DISCARD and replace with NEW only.

Wheel Drive Shaft Nut - Remove and DISCARD

Fig 7: Jwheel Bearing Puller

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Using the J 45859 puller , separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub assembly.

Fig 8: Wheel Drive Shaft And Output Shaft Flange

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Mark the relationship of the wheel drive shaft to the differential flange.

Fig 9: Wheel Drive Shaft Bolts and Washers

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Wheel Drive Shaft Bolt - Remove
Wheel Drive Shaft Washer - Remove and DISCARD

Fig 10: Wheel Drive Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Reposition the knuckle to allow the inner joint to pass the rear differential flange. It may be necessary to use a flat bladed tool to separate the wheel drive shaft from the differential flange.

Wheel Drive Shaft - Remove

Fig 11: Wheel Drive Shaft And Washer

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Do NOT reuse wheel drive shaft washer. Discard and replace with NEW only.

Remove and DISCARD the washer from the wheel drive shaft.