Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair
FRONT DRIVE AXLEFig. 2 Front wheel drive components. Exc. 1982-85 Eldorado, Riviera, Seville & Toronado (Typical):
Fig. 4 Exploded view of drive axle with tri-pot inboard joint. 1985-88 models:
Fig. 5 Exploded view of drive axle with ball type constant velocity inboard joint. 1982-84 Citation, Omega, Phoenix & Skylark; 1982-84 Cavalier, Celebrity, Century, Cimarron, Cutlass Ciera, Firenza, 2000, Skyhawk & 6000:
Fig. 6 Exploded view of drive axle with tri-pot inboard joint. 1982-84 Citation, Omega, Phoenix & Skylark; 1982-84 Cavalier, Celebrity, Century, Cimarron, Cutlass Ciera, Firenza, 2000, Skyhawk & 6000:
1982 CAVALIER, CIMARRON, FIRENZA, 2000 & SKYHAWK
On models equipped with tri-pot joints on inboard axles, care must be taken not to overextend joints. When either or both ends are disconnected, over extending the tri-pot joint could result in internal joint separation.
Removal
1. Remove hub nut, then raise and support vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. On vehicles equipped with ball type constant velocity inboard joints, Fig. 5, install axle shaft boot seal protector J-28712, Fig. 2, on inboard and outboard seals. On vehicles equipped with tri-pot inboard joints, Figs. 4 and 6, install axle boot seal protector J-28712 on outboard seal and J-33162 on inboard seal, Fig. 2.
3. Remove disc brake caliper, rotor and caliper support. Prior to beginning next step, it is suggested to mark cam bolt to ensure proper camber alignment during installation.
4. Remove strut to steering knuckle attaching bolts, then separate steering knuckle from strut bracket.
5. Using tool J-28468 or J-33008 with extension J-29794, remove axle shaft from transaxle, Fig. 2.
6. Using tool J-28733, remove axle shaft from hub and bearing assembly.
Installation
1. Loosely install drive axle to steering knuckle and transaxle.
2. Loosely attach steering knuckle to strut bracket.
3. Remove one hub to steering knuckle attaching bolt and install a longer bolt through hub cutout to prevent hub from turning. Install hub nut and washer and torque to 70 lb ft
4. Remove long bolt and install original hub and bearing to steering knuckle attaching bolt. Torque bolts to 63 lb ft
5. Install disc brake caliper and rotor. Torque caliper attaching bolts to 21---35 lb ft
6. Using a screwdriver in groove provided on inner retainer, install axle shaft into transaxle, Fig. 2. Tap on screwdriver until axle shaft is seated in transaxle.
7. Torque steering knuckle to strut bracket attaching bolts to 140 lb ft
8. Install wheel and tire and lower vehicle.
9. Torque hub nut to 185 lb ft