GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 656803  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  3. Object Number: 687450  Size: SH
  4. Remove the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement.

  5. Object Number: 886518  Size: MH
  6. Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the retainers.

  7. Object Number: 886517  Size: MH
  8. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor from the harness.

  9. Object Number: 886462  Size: SH
  10. Remove the retaining bolt for the front brake hose.

  11. Object Number: 887945  Size: SH
  12. Remove the front stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

  13. Object Number: 886764  Size: SH
  14. Remove the upper shock module retaining from the shock tower.

  15. Object Number: 643351  Size: SH
  16. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

  17. Object Number: 731542  Size: SH
  18. Remove the left and right upper ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
  19. Remove the shock module from the shock tower.
  20. Remove the steering knuckle from the upper control arm.
  21. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the steering knuckle.

  22. Object Number: 887942  Size: SH
  23. Using mechanics wire or hook, support the front shock module/steering knuckle to the frame.

  24. Object Number: 751412  Size: SH
  25. Disconnect the left side wheel drive shaft from the differential carrier assembly by placing a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the brass drift outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.

  26. Object Number: 751411  Size: SH
  27. Disconnect the right side wheel drive shaft from the clutch fork housing assembly by placing a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the brass drift outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.
  28. Pull the wheel drive shaft straight out from the differential carrier assembly or the clutch fork housing assembly.
  29. Remove the wheel drive shaft.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 887942  Size: SH
  1. Install the front wheel drive axle front differential assembly.
  2. Remove the mechanics wire or hook from the front shock module/steering
  3. Install the front wheel drive axle in the steering knuckle.
  4. Position the shock module in the shock tower.
  5. Install the shock module into the shock tower
  6. Install the upper ball joint in the upper control arm.

  7. Object Number: 731542  Size: SH
  8. Install the pinch bolt and nut. For the proper torque specification, refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.

  9. Object Number: 886764  Size: SH
  10. Install the shock module retaining nuts. For the proper torque specification, refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement.
  11. Install the front wheel drive shaft retaining.
  12. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 731551  Size: SH
  13. Install the new front wheel drive shaft retaining nut and tighten to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

  14. Object Number: 687432  Size: SH
  15. Install the tie rod end in the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

  16. Object Number: 887945  Size: SH
  17. Install the stabilizer bar link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

  18. Object Number: 886462  Size: SH
  19. Install the front brake hose retaining bolt. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement.

  20. Object Number: 886518  Size: MH
  21. Install the front wheel speed sensor wiring harness in the retainers.

  22. Object Number: 886517  Size: MH
  23. Reconnect the front wheel speed sensors electrical connector.

  24. Object Number: 687450  Size: SH
  25. Install the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement.

  26. Object Number: 656803  Size: SH
  27. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  28. Lower the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.