Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Wheels

Special Tools

J-42129 Wheel Hub Remover

For equivalent regional tools, refer toSpecial Tools.

Removal ProcedureRaise and support the vehicle. Refer toLifting and Jacking the Vehicle.Remove the tire and wheel. Refer toTire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

Insert a drift or punch-(1) into the rotor and against the brake caliper mountingbracket.Using the proper size socket and a breaker bar-(2), loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.

Note:DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut-(1). Replace with NEW.

Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft nut.

Using the J-42129 remover (1), disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub/bearing.Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer toKnuckle Replacement.

Using a suitable tool-(1), carefully release the wheel drive shaft from the rear driveaxle.

Note:Because of the design of the inner seal wheel drive shaft seal, the seal will be removedat the same time the wheel drive shaft is. Replace the seal, DO NOT re-use the seal.

Remove the wheel drive shaft-(1) from the vehicle.Remove the wheel drive seal-(2).

Note:DO NOT re-use the retaining clip, replace with new.

Remove the retaining ring-(2) from the wheel drive shaft-(1).Installation Procedure

Install the new retaining clip-(2) on the wheel drive shaft.Install the new wheel drive shaft seal.For the left side, refer toRear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Left Side.For the right side, refer toRear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement - Right Side.

Note:When installing the wheel drive shaft, you will notice a slight resistance. This isthe wheel drive shaft seal. A snap or click should be heard when the wheel drive shaftis fully seated.

Install the wheel drive shaft-(1).Install the rear suspension knuckle. Refer toKnuckle Replacement.

Hand install a new wheel drive shaft nut-(1).

Insert a drift or punch-(1) into the rotor and against the brake caliper mountingbracket.

Caution:Refer toFastener Caution.

Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 205-Y (151-lb-ft).Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer toTire and Wheel Removal and Installation.Remove the support and lower the vehicle.