Document ID# 584579
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
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Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Left

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
J 29794 Extension
J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator

Important
Prevent the seals (boots) from contacting the other components in order to
prevent damage to the seals (boots).

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the
Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the front left wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and
Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
in Front Suspension.
Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool
into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End
Replacement - Outer . Power Steering System.
Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 41820 . Refer
to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

Caution
Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel
bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing
personal injury or damage to the vehicle.

Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing
using the J 28733-B . The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the
threads.
Remove the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.
Use the J 33008 , the J 29794 and the J 2619-01 to separate the axle from
the transaxle.

Installation Procedure

Important
Prevent the boots (seals) from contacting the other components in order to
prevent damage to the boots (seals).

Seat the front wheel drive axle into the transaxle.
Verify that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.
Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outboard. Do not pull on
the front wheel drive axle shaft. The front wheel drive axle will remain in
place when the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.
Install the front wheel drive axle into the front wheel drive shaft bearing.
Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint
Replacement in Front Suspension.
Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End
Replacement - Outer . In Power Steering System.

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.

Install a NEW front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed
tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
Tighten
Tighten the front wheel drive shaft nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).
Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link
Replacement in Front Suspension.
Install the front left wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and
Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Inspect the transaxle fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Checking
Procedure in Automatic Transmission.
Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications and
Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.