For 1990-2009 cars

### Removal Procedure

1. Raise and Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
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. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
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: 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.

3. Secure the 3 bolts and the 3 nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the differential side joint bolts and nuts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

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
Tighten the flange bolts to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).

10. Install the front skid plate to the vehicle (if the vehicle is equipped) and secure with four bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the front skid plate bolts to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

11. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
12. Lower the vehicle.