GMC 25792317 Front Axle Assembly (3.42 Ratio)

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Remove the splash shield from under the vehicle. Pry off the hub cover using a hammer and chisel. Remove and discard the axle shaft/hub nut. To prevent the hub from rotating, brace a large prybar across two of the wheel studs or insert a long punch or screwdriver through the window in the brake caliper and into the disc cooling vanes. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and free the harness from its retainers. Unbolt the brake hose retainer where it joins the metal brake line at the frame. Remove the steering knuckle and simultaneously pull the axle shaft stub shaft out of the hub. If the stub shaft sticks in the hub splines, tap on the end of the shaft with a brass punch and a hammer. If that doesn't free the splines, push the axle shaft from the hub with a puller. Drive the inner end of the axle shaft away from the differential or intermediate shaft with a hammer and brass drift. Place the end of the brass drift against the inner axle shaft joint housing. Apply enough force to disengage the retaining ring on the inner end of the axle shaft from the differential or intermediate shaft. Remove the axle shaft from the differential. Installation is the reverse of removal, with the following additions. Before installing the axle shaft, lubricate the splines on the stub shaft with multi-purpose grease. Install a new axle shaft/hub nut and tighten it to the specific torque value. Tighten the suspension fasteners to the specific torque. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to the specific torque.

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Remove the splash shield from under the vehicle. Pry off the hub cover using a hammer and chisel. Remove and discard the axle shaft/hub nut. To prevent the hub from rotating, brace a large prybar across two of the wheel studs or insert a long punch or screwdriver through the window in the brake caliper and into the disc cooling vanes. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and free the harness from its retainers. Unbolt the brake hose retainer where it joins the metal brake line at the frame. Remove the steering knuckle and simultaneously pull the axle shaft stub shaft out of the hub. If the stub shaft sticks in the hub splines, tap on the end of the shaft with a brass punch and a hammer. If that doesn't free the splines, push the axle shaft from the hub with a puller. Drive the inner end of the axle shaft away from the differential or intermediate shaft with a hammer and brass drift. Place the end of the brass drift against the inner axle shaft joint housing. Apply enough force to disengage the retaining ring on the inner end of the axle shaft from the differential or intermediate shaft. Remove the axle shaft from the differential. Installation is the reverse of removal, with the following additions. Before installing the axle shaft, lubricate the splines on the stub shaft with multi-purpose grease. Install a new axle shaft/hub nut and tighten it to the specific torque value. Tighten the suspension fasteners to the specific torque. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to the specific torque.

CV joint boots should be inspected periodically for damage and leaking lubricant. If torn or damaged, the CV joint boots must be replaced immediately, or the joints will be damaged.

Insert the pinion shaft, align the hole in the shaft with the lock bolt hole, and install the lock bolt.

The initial steps include loosening the rear wheel lug nuts, raising the rear of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands placed under the frame rails, and blocking the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling off the stands.

It functions like a conventional differential but with multi-disc clutch packs to equalize wheel rotation in low-traction situations.

Before removing the rear axle assembly from under the vehicle, you should disconnect the shock absorbers at their lower mounts, disconnect the vent hose from the fitting on the axle housing, and disconnect the flexible brake hose from the junction block on the axle housing (and plug the hose to prevent fluid leakage).

The front axle assembly comprises a differential and two driveaxles with inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints.

Each inner CV joint assembly consists of a ball-and-cage type bearing and a housing in which the joint is free to slide in and out as the driveaxle moves up and down with the wheel.

Remove the differential cover and allow the lubricant to drain into a container.