GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2006 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C6/C7/C8 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Front Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 201700 Size: SH
  1. Set the parking brakes.
  2. Block the vehicle rear wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft (5) from the axle (4) if equipped. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  4. Raise the vehicle frame until the front tires clear the floor.

    5. Notice: Do not use the front crossmember to support the vehicle or the crossmember may buckle.

  5. Support the frame using suitable safety stands.

    6. Object Number: 201719 Size: SH
  6. Remove the wheels, the hubs, and the bearings as needed. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  7. Remove the following components from the lower brackets (7):
    8. • The nuts (10)
    • The washers (9)
    • The insulators (8)
  8. Remove the shock absorbers (5) from the lower brackets (7). Push the shock absorbers into the fully retracted position.
  9. Remove the insulators (13) and the washers (6) from the shock absorber lower stem.

    10. Object Number: 201852 Size: SH
  10. Remove the nuts (6) and the U-bolts (1).
  11. Lower the axle partially, and remove the U-bolt spacer (8).
  12. Remove the following components:
    13. • The spring spacers (7)
    • The shock absorber brackets (3)
    • The spacers (4)
  13. Remove the tie rods. Refer to Tie Rod Arm Replacement .
  14. Remove the relay rod. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .
  15. Remove the axle from under the vehicle.
  16. Remove the kingpins and knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle and King Pin Replacement .

Inspection Procedure

    Object Number: 594464 Size: SH
  1. Clean the axle components using a cleaning solvent.
  2. Inspect the axle (1) for wear and damage. Use Magna-Flux™ inspection equipment if available. Inspect the axle for the following:
    3. • Minute cracks
    • Checks
    • Fractures
  3. Using alignment instruments, inspect the axle center for twist. If the axle center has been twisted or bent more than 5 degrees (13 mm or ½ in) from the original shape, replace the axle.
  4. Inspect the axle king pin bore for the following:
    5. • Scratches
    • Burrs
    • Corrosion
  5. Smooth the bore using a crocus cloth or fine grit sandpaper if needed. Clean the bore.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 201852 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering knuckles and king pins. Refer to Steering Knuckle and King Pin Replacement .
  2. Install the axle under the vehicle using a floor jack.
  3. Raise the axle and align the spring center bolt to the axle. Install the following components:
    4. • The spring spacers (7)
    • The shock brackets (3)
    • The spacers (4)

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the following components:
    5. • The U-bolts (1)
    • The U-bolt spacer (8)
    • The nuts (6)

    Tighten
    Tighten the U-bolt nut to 330 N·m (243 lb ft) for 8,100-pound axles.


    Object Number: 201719 Size: SH
  5. Install the flat washer (6) and the insulator (13) onto the shock absorber lower stem (5).
  6. Install the shock absorber (5) into the lower bracket (7).
  7. Install the following components:
    8. • The lower insulator (8)
    • The flat washer (9)
    • The nut (10)

    Tighten
    Tighten the lower shock absorber nut (10) to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  8. Install the tie rod ends into the tie rod arms. Refer to Tie Rod Arm Replacement .
  9. Install the relay rod. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .
  10. Install the wheels, the hubs, and the bearings. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  11. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.
  12. Install the stabilizer bar to the axle. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .