Right Side

^ Tools Required
- J 45531 Halfshaft Removal Tool

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 right front tire and wheel assembly.





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





5. Remove the right drive axle shaft snap ring (1).





6. Remove the right drive axle shaft spindle washer (1) from the drive axle shaft.
7. Make a reference mark (2) on the mating flanges (1) and (3).
8. Disconnect the left drive axle from the front differential.
9. Make a reference mark on the pinion flange yoke and the differential pinion flange.
10. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the front differential.
11. Support the front differential.
12. Remove the front differential bolts.
13. Lower the front differential and right drive shaft from the vehicle as an assembly.

Important: The drive axle circlip may break during the removal and possibly fall into the differential case. If this occurs, the pieces must be removed from the differential. The drive axle is retained with a circlip. If the circlip is off center, the drive axle is very difficult to remove. Center the circlip by rotating and lightly pulling on the drive axle. Continue rotating and pulling until the drive axle pops out about 1 mm (0.039 inch). This movement indicates that the circlip is now centered on the drive axle.

14. Using the J 45531 remove the right drive axle from the front differential.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the right drive axle shaft to the differential housing.
2. Raise the front differential and right drive shaft as an assembly into position.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the front differential retaining bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





4. Align the reference marks, then connect the left drive axle to the differential. Install the drive axle retaining bolts.
Tighten the retaining bolts to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
5. Align the front propeller shaft reference mark to the differential pinion flange.
6. Install the propeller shaft retaining bolts
Tighten the retaining bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





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





9. Apply General Motors Sealant, GM P/N 1052366 to the flange (1).
10. Install the flange (1).
11. Install the 6 flange bolts.
12. Secure the flange bolts.
Tighten the flange bolts to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
13. Install the front tire and wheel assembly.
14. Lower the vehicle.