GMC 19121908 Front Drive Axle Clutch Shaft Assembly

To pull out the semi-floating axleshaft you need first to wrench off the lugnuts of the rear wheel, raise the car safely on jackstands and turn on the brake of the front wheels and unbolt the wheel and brake disc. Next, remove the rear wheel speed sensor and then, if the car is equipped with an 8.6 inch differential, you will need to drain the differential lubricant and, if possible, remove the bolt-in differential cover. This pinion shaft lock screw should then be withdrawn and depending on the requirements of the model, may extract the pinion shaft. For locking differentials, pull out the pinion shaft halfway to allow space in order to turn the differential in order to access the C-locks without disturbing the spider gears. Screw and nut on the outer flanged end of the axleshaft to push off the C-lock, while on locking differentials, use a screwdriver type to turn the C-lock. Slowly pull out the axleshaft and discuss the fact that it is recommended that oil seal be changed time that axleshaft is pulled out. This is done by engaging the axleshaft into the inner race of the housing where it interlocks with the differential side gear and installing the C-lock into position and then pulling out on the flange to lock it. Place the pinion shaft in its respective bore and ensure that it is parallel to the lock screw hole; place the lock screw with some non hardening blue thread locking compound and then tighten it. Replace the cover and tighten the bolts; add the lubricant to the differential and then replace the brake components and tighten all fasteners, lower the car and tighten the nuts tight. When servicing a full-floating axleshaft, release the pressure by removing the bolts holding the axleshaft flange to the hub, use a soft-face hammer to tap the flange so as to light the shaft, and use lockingpliers to hold the flange as you twist the shaft slightly to pull it out of the housing, taking care to place a drip pan beneath to collect the dripping lubricants. This is almost the opposite to removal, although the procedure should be similar, where the axleshaft is to be standing vertically in order to engage the splines as required, and where a new gasket should always be used on the flange before tightening the bolts, but make sure that the mating surfaces are clean before doing so.

Remove the hubcap on the side the axle is being removed from. Loosen the wheel lug nuts. Loosen the hub nut 1/4-turn, then raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack-stands. Remove the wheel. Remove the skid plate (if equipped). Remove the stabilizer bar and separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the hub nut and washer. Remove the axle shaft flange bolts. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack. Separate the upper control arm from the steering knuckle. If necessary, detach the brake hose bracket and speed sensor wiring harness from the upper arm. Use a puller to push the outer axle end out of the hub assembly, then remove the axle assembly. Caution: Once the axle shaft or hub nut is removed, DO NOT allow the vehicle's weight to load the front wheels. This could cause the front wheel bearing inner races to separate, resulting in damage to the front brake and suspension components or personal injury. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the hub nut and the flange bolts to the torque. Tighten the upper ball joint-to-steering knuckle nut to the torque.

Remove the bolts which attach the axleshaft flange to the hub. There is no need to remove the wheel or jack up the vehicle. Tap the flange with a soft-face hammer to loosen the shaft, then grip the rib in the face of the flange with a pair of locking pliers. Twist the shaft slightly in both directions and withdraw it from the housing. Place a drip pan under the outer end of the axle to catch any lubricant which might leak out while the axle is removed. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to hold the axle shaft level to engage the splines at the inner end with those in the differential side gear. Always use a new gasket on the flange and keep both the flange and hub mating surface free of grease and oil.

To remove a semi-floating axle shaft, first loosen the rear wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle on jackstands. Drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential cover. Remove the pinion shaft lock screw and withdraw the pinion shaft. For models with a locking differential, rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case for access to the C-locks. 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. To install, insert the axleshaft into the housing until it engages with the differential side gear, install the C-lock, and insert the pinion shaft. Install the cover, fill the differential with lubricant, and install the brake disc or drum. For a full-floating axle shaft, remove the bolts attaching the flange to the hub and withdraw the shaft from the housing. To install, hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines and use a new gasket on the flange. Tighten the flange bolts to the proper torque specifications.

Fill the differential with the proper lubricant, install the differential carrier splash shield, and finally, install the wheel and lug nuts.

Power is transmitted from the front differential/axle to the front wheels through a pair of driveaxles. The inner end of each driveaxle is bolted to an axleshaft connected to the differential side gears, while the outer end features a stub shaft splined to the front hub and bearing assembly, secured by a large nut.

For installation, reverse the removal steps, tightening the U-joint clamp bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque, ensuring all suspension and brake fasteners are tightened to the appropriate torque values.

The axleshafts are splined to the differential side gears.

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 first step is to loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and securely support it on jackstands before removing the wheel.

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.

Before installing the driveaxle, the splines on the stub shaft should be lubricated with multi-purpose grease.

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

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.

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.

If equipped, disconnect the vent hose from the fitting on the axle housing and fasten it out of the way.

Rotate the differential until the shaft touches the case, providing enough clearance for access to the C-locks.

Semi-floating axleshafts are retained in the differential splines.

4WD models use a fully independent front axle assembly.

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

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

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 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 installing the driveaxle, the splines on the stub shaft should be lubricated with multi-purpose grease.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

It is also important to check the driveaxle shafts for cracks, dents, and distortion.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 end of the driveaxle should be lowered and pulled out of the hub, carefully guiding the driveaxle out from under the vehicle.

To check for wear in the CV joints and driveaxle 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.

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