GM 20768560 Front Drive Axle Clutch Shaft Assembly

Remove the rear brake calipers while keeping the brake hoses connected and secure them out of the way.

If the stub shaft sticks in the hub splines, tap it with a brass punch and hammer or use a puller to push the driveaxle from the hub.

Remove the differential carrier splash shield and drain the lubricant from the front differential.

The outer ends have ball-and-cage type CV joints, which permit angular movement but not axial movement. These joints feature six caged ball bearings situated between an inner race and the housing.

During installation, insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, then install the C-lock and pull out on the flange to lock it.

By noting engine speed and testing in Neutral.

Symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include lubricant leaks, clicking noise in turns, clunk when accelerating after coasting, and vibration at highway speeds.

When diagnosing axle problems, it is important to check for other possible causes such as road or tire noise, and to isolate engine and transmission noises.

To install a full-floating axle shaft, you should hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Finally, tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.

The inner ends of the driveaxles are bolted to an axleshaft connected to the differential side gears.

For models with a locking differential, you should rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks.

To remove and install components in the front differential for 4WD systems, follow these steps: Remove the bolts securing the axle tube to the differential carrier and the nuts attaching the tube to its support bracket. Carefully remove the output shaft tube, ensuring no components fall out. Mount the tube in a vise and remove the internal components. Measure and remove the axleshaft bearing using a slide hammer and bearing remover attachment. For installation, install the bearing to the original depth using a bearing driver or socket, then install a new seal and deflector, lubricating the seal lips with grease. Carefully drive in the axleshaft, followed by the internal components. Apply RTV sealant to the tube-to-differential housing mating surface, and install the tube assembly, tightening bolts and nuts to specified torques. Reinstall the driveaxle, front axle shift motor, and fill the differential with lubricant.

No, overhauling the differential requires special tools and is not cost-effective for a do-it-yourselfer.

After raising the vehicle and supporting it on jackstands, a jack should be positioned under the rear axle differential housing.

The drive axle-to-axle shaft flange bolts should be removed while having an assistant apply the brake to prevent the driveaxle from turning.

For leaf spring models, the spring U-bolts should be disconnected, followed by removing the springplates. Then, the jack can be lowered under the differential to remove the rear axle assembly.

The initial steps are to loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands.

The initial steps to remove and install components in the front differential of selectable 4WD systems are as follows: Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the right front wheel. Remove the differential carrier splash shield if equipped. Drain the lubricant from the front differential. For 4WD systems, unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange and support it out of the way. Remove the front axle shift motor and, if applicable, disconnect the front stabilizer link or remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly. On 2500/3500 models, remove the front axle bracket bolts and slide the bracket forward for additional clearance. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood.