GM 26075604
Axle Assembly, Front

Releasing the axle shafts begins by securely raising the vehicle then securing it. Start by removing the wheel followed by tire removal then loosen the stabilizer shaft link assembly bolt as needed. When removing the ball joint assembly use a pickle fork or wedge type tool to carefully separate the parts while protecting the bushing and seal. The j 36226 tool should be used for joint loosening purposes while right axle replacement requires wheel left-turn rotation and vice versa for left axle work. During left axle axle removal turn the steering wheel right to achieve alignment. Separate the joint by inserting a pry bar between the suspension support and the lower control arm. Put a drift or screwdriver through the caliper and rotor to stop their movement. Then take off the hub nut. Use tool j 28733-b to disconnect the hub from the axle but maintain partial hub installation to shield thread integrity before moving the strut and knuckle towards the rear of the vehicle. At this time avoid stretching the Axle Shaft. Lock up the drive axle to the transaxle using j 33008-a and j 2619-01. Metal corrosion on the tripot housing must be examined at the transmission seal interface and smoothness can be achieved by using 320 grit emery cloth sanding. Apply clean transmission fluid to the tripot housing then push the axle into the transaxle before confirming axle position by grasping the inner joint housing. Use a new hub nut to secure the drive axle into the hub and bearing before using a drift or screwdriver to stop rotor movement then tighten the hub nut to 145 nm (107 ft. Lbs.). Drive the ball joint into the knuckle by tightening the ball joint nut to 10 nm (88 inch lbs.) afterward rotate the joint by 120 degrees until it reaches 55 nm (41 ft. Lbs.). Tighten the stabilizer shaft link assembly's nut to specifications at 17 nm (13 ft. Lbs.) after inserting the cotter pin and making required slot adjustments in the nut. Put the wheel and tire on before lowering the vehicle to the ground.