GM 22789359 Front Wheel Drive Shaft Assembly

Power is transmitted from the front differential/axle to the front wheels through a pair of axle shafts equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints capable of both angular and axial motion. The inner ends of the axle shafts are bolted to an axleshaft connected to the differential side gears, while the outer ends have a stub shaft that is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and locked in place with a large nut. The outer ends of the axle shafts are equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints capable of angular but not axial movement. It is important to inspect the boots periodically for damage and leaking lubricant, as torn CV joint boots must be replaced immediately to prevent damage to the joints. If a boot is damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire axle shaft assembly must be replaced as a unit. Symptoms of worn or damaged CV joints include lubricant leaks, clicking noise in turns, clunk when accelerating after coasting, and vibration at highway speeds. To check for wear in the CV joints and axle shafts, grasp each axle and rotate it in both directions while holding the CV joint housings, feeling for play indicating worn splines or sloppy CV joints. It is also important to check the axle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

Loosen the wheel lug nuts before removing the axle shaft of a vehicle. Start by loosening the wheel lug nuts, driving it up to jack stands, and securely supporting it on jackstands. Pry off the hub cover and remove the axle shaft/hub nut, bracing the hub to prevent it from rotating. Remove differential carrier splash shield if equipped and then remove axle shaft-to-axle shaft flange bolts (while having an assistant apply the brake to stop axle shaft from turning). Drop inner end of axle shaft low enough in order to pull stub shaft out of hub, guiding carefully under car as you take out entire axle shaft with other hand. To install an axle shaft , lubricate splines on stubshaft with multipurpose grease then tighten axleshaft/ hub nut (new) and flange bolts according to specified torque values. Then finally fasten wheels using appropriate torque specification for lug nuts.

The next step is to drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential cover.

Power is transmitted through a pair of driveaxles equipped with sliding constant velocity (CV) joints capable of both angular and axial motion.

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

The differential allows the outer rear wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner tire when going around a corner.