GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firefly (Canada) 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Wheel Drive Shafts 🢒 Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.

    3. Object Number: 175545 Size: SH
  3. Remove the 1 bolt (2) and the ABS speed sensor (3) from the steering knuckle (if equipped).

    4. Object Number: 175542 Size: SH
  4. Unstake the wheel drive shaft nut (1).
  5. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut and washer.

    6. Object Number: 175549 Size: SH

    Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

  6. Remove the ball stud bolt (1). The ball stud bolt is threaded into the steering knuckle (3).
  7. Separate the control arm (2) from the steering knuckle.

    8. Object Number: 175556 Size: SH

    Important: On the manual transmission model, the right wheel drive shaft assembly is stabilized by an intermediate shaft (2) between the inner joint (4) and the transaxle. It is not necessary to remove the intermediate shaft (2).

  8. Remove the right wheel drive shaft assembly (1) from the intermediate shaft bearing (2) by gently tapping with a plastic mallet.

    9. Notice: Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.


    Object Number: 175557 Size: SH
  9. Remove the inner joint (1) from the transaxle (2) by gently prying the inner joint away from and out of the transaxle.

    10. Object Number: 325958 Size: SH

    Notice: When servicing the hub assembly, be careful not to damage the ABS components. If any of the ABS components are damaged, the ABS system may not function properly and the damaged component will need to be replaced.

  10. Remove the outer joint (1) from the steering knuckle and the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

    11. Object Number: 175530 Size: SH
  11. Inspect the inner and outer joint boots for tears or deterioration; replace as necessary. Refer to Inner Joint and Seal Replacement or Outer Joint and Seal Replacement .
  12. Inspect the front wheel bearing inner and outer oil seals for damage or deterioration; replace as necessary. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement in Front Suspension.
  13. Inspect the wheel drive shaft fluid seals at the transaxle for leakage or damage; replace as necessary. Refer to Drive Axle Shaft Fluid Seal in Automatic Transmission or Axle Shaft Oil Seal Replacement in Manual Transmission.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 325958 Size: SH
  1. Install the outer joint (1) into the steering knuckle.
  2. Install the inner joint into the transaxle or the intermediate shaft.

    3. Object Number: 175549 Size: SH
  3. Install the control arm (2) to the steering knuckle (3).

    4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the ball stud bolt. The ball stud bolt is threaded into the steering knuckle.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the ball stud bolt to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 175542 Size: SH
  5. Install the wheel drive shaft washer and nut (1) onto the wheel drive shaft.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 175 N·m (129 lb ft).

  6. Stake the wheel drive shaft nut.

    7. Object Number: 175545 Size: SH
  7. Install the ABS speed sensor (3) into the steering knuckle (if equipped).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the ABS speed sensor bolt (2) to 10 N·m (8 lb ft).

  8. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Check the transaxle fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transmission or Transmission Fluid Check in Manual Transmission.