Drivetrain - Revised Front Drive Axle Replacement

9222buick04

Bulletin: 89-4-1

Date: June, '89

Ref. No.: 89-156-4

Corp. Ref. No.: 934401


SUBJECT:
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE - SECTION 4D DRIVE AXLE (REVISED PROCEDURE)

MODELS AFFECTED:
1988 AND 1989 CENTURYS

SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE


The following front drive axle replacement procedure replaces the procedures found in the 1988-89 Century Service Manual in Section 4D, pages 1-4.

Tools Required:

J 34826 Hub Nut Wrench (36mm)
J 34754 Inner Drive Joint Seal Protector (Modified)
J 28733-A Front Hub Spindle Remover
J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
J 29794 Axle Shaft Removal Extension
J 2619-01 Slide Hammer

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Raise vehicle, refer to General Information (Section 0A).

2. Tire and wheel assembly, refer to Tires And Wheels (Section 3E).

3. Tie rod end cotter key, nut, and joint from knuckle, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

4. Axle nut and washer using J 34826. Discard Nut.

5. Lower ball joint pinch bolt, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

NOTICE:
Drive axle seal protector J 34754 should be modified and installed on any drive axle prior to service procedures on or near the drive axle. Failure to observe this can result in seal damage and possible joint failure.

6. Install J 34754.

7. Stabilizer Bolts and stabilizer.

8. Brake line bracket bolt.


9. Lower ball joint, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

10. Install J 28733-A and remove axle shaft from hub.

11. J 28733-A from spindle.

12. Axle shaft from transaxle using J 3308, J 2619-01, J 29794, and J 34754.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

1. Axle to transaxle.

2. Axle shaft in hub.

3. Lower control arm ball joint in knuckle, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

4. Brake line bracket.

5. Position stabilizer, install bolts, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

6. Reinforcement bolts.

7. Lower ball joint pinch bolt, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

8. Drive axle washer and new nut tighten. Nut to 260 N-m (185 lb.ft.)

9. Seat the drive axle into the transaxle by placing a screwdriver into the groove on the joint housing and tapping until seated.

10. Verify that drive axle is seated in transaxle by grasping on the housing and pulling outboard, Do not grasp and pull on axle shaft.

11. Tie rod end in knuckle, nut, and cotter key, refer to Front Suspension (Section 3C).

12. Tire and wheel assembly, refer to Tires and Wheels (Section 3E).

13. Lower vehicle.