GM 96058372 Axle Shaft

A slide hammer along with an adapter will be necessary to execute this work on all models such as Sidekick/X-90/Vitara and Tracker. Start by loosening the wheel lug nuts on the rear while raising the rear of the vehicle then place it stably on jackstands before removing the wheels. Start by detaching the brake drum followed by draining the differential lubricant. The next step requires removing the brake backing plate/wheel bearing retainer nuts out of the axle housing. The parking brake lever needs to be moved away from its position when ensuring enough space exists between the bearing retainer and the parking brake lever. A slide hammer connected to the axle flange will extract the axleshaft from the housing only if the initial pull method failed to work effectively. Attention needs to be paid to avoid pulling out the brake backing plate during this process. The axle bearing replacement process should be performed at a dealer service department or repair shop where professionals will replace the old bearing with a new one while also replacing the oil seal when using a new bearing. Before insertion apply a thin grease layer to the bearing outer surface of its bore inside the axle housing. Start by spreading grease on the lip edges of the axleshaft seal before you carefully put the axle shaft directly into the housing slot without damaging the seal. The brake backing plate/bearing retainer nuts need to be tightened according to specification during the completion of installation.