GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • KM-507-C Ball Joint Remover
    • KM-460-B Axle Shaft Remover

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1242017  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the engine under cover, if necessary.

  4. Object Number: 1242018  Size: SH
  5. Remove the axle shaft caulking nut. Discard the nut.
  6. Remove the lower ball joint nut.

  7. Object Number: 1241963  Size: SH

    Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  8. Separate the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint using KM-507-C .
  9. Remove the tie rod nut.

  10. Object Number: 1242019  Size: SH

    Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  11. Separate the tie rod end using the KM-507-C  (1) .

  12. Object Number: 1242037  Size: SH
  13. Push the drive axle shaft from the wheel hub.
  14. Notice: Refer to Drive Axle Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Place a drain pan below the transaxle to catch the escaping fluid. Cap the transaxle drive opening after the drive axle has been removed to keep the fluid in and any contamination out.

  15. Remove the drive axle from the transaxle using the KM-460-B  (1) .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1242022  Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage the seals.

  1. Clean the hub seal and the transaxle seal.
  2. Install the drive axle into the transaxle.
  3. Install the wheel hub onto the axle shaft.

  4. Object Number: 1241982  Size: SH
  5. Mount the steering knuckle onto the lower ball joint.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1241959  Size: SH
  7. Install the tie rod into the knuckle/strut and install the tie rod nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the tie rod nut to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1242024  Size: SH
  9. Install the lower ball joint nut.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1241968  Size: SH
  11. Loosely install a new axle shaft caulking nut. Always use a new nut.

  12. Object Number: 1242017  Size: SH
  13. Install the wheels. Loosely install the nuts. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  14. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 120 N·m (88 lb ft).

  16. Install and tighten the axle shaft caulking nut.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the axle shaft caulking nut to 300 N·m (221 lb ft).

  18. Peen the caulking nut with a punch and a hammer until the nut is locked into place on the axle shaft hub.
  19. Install the engine under covers.
  20. Refill the transaxle fluid to the proper level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Inspection .