GM 13335132 Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Assembly

To remove the driveaxle, first set the parking brake and remove the wheel cover or hubcap. For models with a manual transaxle, drain the transaxle lubricant. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands before removing the wheel. Remove the driveaxle/hub nut by inserting a punch into one of the brake disc cooling vanes and letting it rest against the caliper bracket. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle and the ABS wheel speed sensor, then separate the control arm from the steering knuckle. To loosen the driveaxle from the hub splines, tap the end of the driveaxle with a soft-faced hammer; if it is stuck, a puller may be necessary. Pull out on the steering knuckle to detach the driveaxle from the hub and suspend the outer end on a bungee cord or wire. Check for lubricant leakage around the differential seal, as a leak indicates the need for seal replacement after removal. Use a prybar to carefully pry the inner joint off the transaxle side gear shaft or intermediate shaft, avoiding pulling on the inner joint to prevent damage. Remove the driveaxle assembly carefully. If the vehicle needs to be moved while the driveaxle is out, secure a large bolt with washers through the hub. For installation, reverse the removal steps, ensuring to replace the old set-ring with a new one, apply multi-purpose grease around the splines, and push the driveaxle in sharply to seat the set-ring. Clean the outer CV joint threads and coat the splines with grease before guiding the driveaxle into the hub splines and installing the new driveaxle/hub nut, tightening it securely but not to the specified torque yet. Reconnect the control arm and tie-rod end, tightening the suspension fasteners, then tighten the driveaxle/hub nut to the specified torque. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the wheel lug nuts. If transaxle lubricant was drained or spilled, add it back. For models with an intermediate shaft, remove the right-side driveaxle, then the intermediate shaft bracket bolts and wheel speed sensor, pulling the intermediate shaft out of the transaxle. If needed, replace the oil seal. For installation, reverse the removal steps, starting with the lower bracket bolt closest to the drivebelt end of the engine without tightening it, followed by the other two bolts, and tighten the intermediate shaft bracket bolts, beginning with the upper bolt. Finally, install the driveaxle.

Disconnect the brake pipes from the hoses at the trailing arms, plugging the fittings to prevent dirt or fluid loss.