GM 26058813 Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft

The outer ends of the driveaxles are equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints capable of angular but not axial movement.

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.

To install the semi-floating axle shaft, you should insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, install the C-lock, and insert the pinion shaft. Then, install the cover, fill the differential with lubricant, and install the brake disc or drum.

The optional locking limited-slip rear axle slows the rotation of the differential case when one wheel loses traction.

If the vehicle has a differential carrier splash shield, it should be removed after removing the driveaxle/hub nut.

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.

Use a pair of locking pliers.

Semi-floating axleshafts are supported at the outer end of the axle, by roller bearings pressed into the outer end of the axle tube.

Remove the driveaxle flange bolts.

Push the pinion shaft into place with the groove lined up with the lock screw hole, then install the lock screw.

If a boot is damaged, the CV joint can be disassembled and cleaned, but if any parts are damaged, the entire driveaxle assembly must be replaced as a unit.

Disconnect the shock absorbers at the lower mounts and compress them to get them out of the way.

To remove and install components in the front differential for AWD systems, follow these steps: Remove the stabilizer bar link and, if applicable, the front shock absorber. Unbolt the right driveaxle from the axleshaft flange, supporting it properly. Support the differential carrier with a floor jack and a block of wood. Remove nuts attaching the axle shaft to its support bracket and the bolts securing the axle shaft flange to the differential carrier. Use a brass punch and hammer to separate the axle shaft from the differential case side gear. Remove the inner axle shaft assembly and axle shaft. Replace the inner seal and bearing with a special tool, then apply RTV sealant to the differential sealing surface and install the inner axle shaft housing assembly. Install the axle shaft to the support bracket and align the splines with the differential side gear. Tap the axle shaft with a mallet until the ring (clip) aligns with the groove in the differential case side gear. Install the axle shaft to the inner flange and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the stabilizer link, fill the differential with lubricant, install the differential carrier splash shield, and finally, install the wheel and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, and check for proper operation.

The outer ends of the driveaxles are equipped with ball-and-cage type CV joints capable of angular but not axial movement.

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

The driveaxle/hub nut (new) and the flange bolts should be tightened to the torque values specifications during installation.

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.

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

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

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 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.

The final step is to tighten the wheel lug nuts to the proper torque specifications.

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

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly.

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.

If the vehicle has a differential carrier splash shield, it should be removed after removing the driveaxle/hub nut.

To remove the semi-floating axle shaft, you need to remove the C-lock from the groove on the inner end of the axleshaft and withdraw the shaft, being careful not to damage the oil seal.

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

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

After removing the differential cover, you need to remove the pinion shaft lock screw and withdraw the pinion shaft.

Before removing a semi-floating axle shaft, you should loosen the rear wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle on jackstands.

To remove the semi-floating axle shaft, you need to remove the C-lock from the groove on the inner end of the axleshaft and withdraw the shaft, being careful not to damage the oil seal.

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

The driveaxle/hub nut (new) and the flange bolts should be tightened to the torque values specifications during installation.

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.

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.

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.

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

Before removing the rear axle assembly, the following components need to be removed: driveshaft, shock absorbers, vent hose, brake hose, rear brake assemblies, parking brake cables, and rear wheel speed sensors.

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 the rear axle assembly, the reverse order of removal should be followed. All suspension and brake fasteners should be tightened to the torque value specifications.