Drivetrain - Updated Drive Axle Removal Procedure

9222buick03

Bulletin
89-3-5

Date
Dec., '88

Ref. No.
89-044-3

Corp. Ref. No.
874402R


SUBJECT:
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE - DRIVE AXLE REMOVAL PROCEDURE

MODELS AFFECTED:
1987-89 ELECTRAS/PARK AVENUES
1987-89 LESABRES
1987-89 SKYHAWKS
1987-89 SKYLARKS
1987 SOMERSETS

The following procedure for drive axle R&R replaces the procedure in the 1987 through 1989 Chassis Service Manuals.

TOOLS REQUIRED

J29330 Ball Joint Separator
J34754 Boot Protector (modified)
J28468 Axle Shaft Remover
J33008 Axle Shaft Remover
J34826 Hub Nut Socket

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Negative battery cable.

2. Raise car, see Section 0A.

3. Tire and wheel assembly.

4. Install drive axle boot protector J34754 on outer joint.

5. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

6. Shaft nut and washer.

7. Lower ball joint cotter pin and nut and loosen joint using J29330. If removing right axle, turn wheel to the left, if removing left axle, turn wheel to the right.

NOTICE:
Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

8. With pry bar between suspension support and lower control arm, separate joint.


9. Pull out on lower knuckle area and with a plastic or rubber mallet strike end of axle shaft to disengage axle from hub and bearing.

- Shaft nut should be partially installed to protect threads.

10. Separate hub and bearing assembly from drive axle and move strut and knuckle assembly rearward.

11. Inner joint from transaxle using J28468 or J33008, or from intermediate shaft, if equipped.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

1. Drive axle into transaxle or intermediate shaft by placing a screwdriver into the groove on the joint housing and tapping until seated. Verify that drive axle is seated by grasping on the inner joint housing and pulling outboard.

2. Drive axle into hub and bearing assembly.

3. Lower ball joint to knuckle and tighten ball joint nut to specification, (see Service Manual)

4. Cotter pin.

5. Washer and new shaft nut.

6. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

IMPORTANT: Use torque wrench to tighten shaft nut to specification (See Service Manual).

7. Remove boot protector.

8. Tire and wheel assembly.

9. Lower car.

10. Negative battery cable.

Use applicable Labor Operation Number and Labor Time.