Left Side

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and Support the vehicle.
2. Remove the following components (if the vehicle is equipped):
^ The 4 skid plate bolts
^ The front skid plate
3. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.





4. Remove the 6 bolts (2) and the flange (1).





5. Remove the drive axle shaft snap ring (1).
6. Remove the drive axle shaft spindle washer (1) from the drive axle shaft.





7. Make a reference mark (2) on the following components in order to ensure correct installation:
^ The inner axle shaft flange (1)
^ The differential side joint flange (3) of the drive axle shaft
8. Remove the following components from the inner axle shaft flange:
^ The 3 bolts
^ The 3 nuts
^ The differential joint flange of the drive axle shaft





9. Remove the drive shaft axle assembly.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the wheel-side joint of the front drive axle shaft into the steering knuckle.





2. Install the differential side joint flange of drive axle shaft to the inner axle shaft flange. Be sure to align the reference marks (2) on the inner axle shaft flange (1) and the differential side joint flange (3) of the drive axle shaft.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Secure the 3 bolts and the 3 nuts.
Tighten the differential side joint bolts and nuts to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).





4. Install the drive axle shaft spindle washer (1) onto the drive axle shaft.
5. Install the drive axle shaft snap ring (2) onto the end of the drive axle.





6. Apply General Motors Sealant, GM P/N 1052366 to the flange (1).
7. Install the flange (1).
8. Install the 6 flange bolts.
9. Secure the flange bolts.
Tighten the flange bolts to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the front skid plate to the vehicle (if the vehicle is equipped) and secure with four bolts.
Tighten the front skid plate bolts to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
11. Install the front tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.