OEM 2005 Chevrolet Astro Axle Shaft

2005 Chevrolet Astro Axle Shaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the front drive axle shaft on 2005 Chevrolet Astro?

  A: The initial step to repair the front drive axle needs the tools which include an axle remover (J 45859). All parts from the driveline should be labeled accurately regarding their positions relative to the propeller shaft and both drive axles and pinion flange and inner axle shafts to achieve correct assembly. Start repairs of the front drive axle by unlocking the Steering Column before vehicle lifting and tire removal. The drift should be inserted through the brake caliper and into a brake rotor vane to stop the wheel drive shaft from rotating before undoing the wheel drive shaft nut which needs disposal at completion. Press the wheel drive shaft from the hub using axle remover (J 45859) and take the drift off the brake rotor. Use the equipment to detach the brake hose bracket and wheel sensor wire bracket from the upper Control Arm before separating the Steering Knuckle without touching the Wheel Hub assembly. A shop towel must protect drive axle cv joint boots as well as the shock mounting bracket and lower Control Arm ball stud together with any other present sharp edges. Use a brass drift and wood block positioned on the tripot housing to hit with a hammer to push past the snap ring pressure when disconnecting the wheel drive shaft from its position on the front differential carrier assembly. The wheel drive shaft removal must be performed while avoiding both lubrication to and damage of the differential carrier assembly axle seals. Follow the steps by covering the wheel drive shaft with a shop towel before properly seating it into the differential carrier assembly through splines alignment and full push action until the retaining ring finds its position. A correctly positioned retaining ring can be verified by pulling backbone of tripot housing so the wheel drive shaft remains in place. Fit the Steering Knuckle followed by connecting the wheel speed sensor bracket to the upper Control Arm and torque the attaching nut to 16 nm (12 ft. Lbs.). After that install the brake hose bracket onto the upper Control Arm before tightening its retaining nut to 16 nm (12 ft. Lbs.). A new nut for the wheel drive shaft requires a 200 nm (147 ft. Lbs.) torque setting while a drift guide should be inserted into the brake caliper drift to lock the wheel drive shaft before installation. After installation of the tire and wheel complete the process by checking front axle fluid levels and adding proper fluid if needed while at the same time lowering the vehicle.