Buick Regal: Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Left Side

Special Tools

• J-45859 Hub Spindle Remover
• DT-51504 Seal Protector

Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.

3. With the aid of an assistant holding the brake pedal down, use a breaker bar and the proper size socket to loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.

4.

WARNING: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.

Wheel Drive Shaft Nut(1) - Remove and DISCARD.

5. Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod@Steering Knuckle - Separate.

6. Lower Control Arm@Steering Knuckle - Separate.

7.

Attach the J-45859 Hub Spindle Remover (1) to the wheel hub using the wheel lug nuts.

8. Using the J-45859 Hub Spindle Remover (1), separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub.

9. Remove the J-45859 Hub Spindle Remover (1) from the wheel bearing/hub.

10. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.

11.

CAUTION: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s).

Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

Use a suitable flat bladed tool (1) to dislodge the wheel drive shaft (2) from the transmission.

12.

CAUTION: DT-51504 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install the DT-51504 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to damage the differential output seal.

Carefully install the DT-51504 Seal Protector (1) over the wheel drive shaft and slide into the transmission.

13.

Wheel Drive Shaft(1) - Remove.

14.

Wheel Drive Shaft Washer(1) - Remove and DISCARD.

15.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Retaining Ring(1) - Remove and DISCARD.

Installation Procedure

1.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Retaining Ring(1) - Install NEW.

2.

Wheel Drive Shaft Washer(1) - Install NEW.

3.

Wheel Drive Shaft(1) - Install.

4.

CAUTION: DT-51504 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install the DT-51504 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to damage the differential output seal

NOTE: Ensure that the wheel drive shaft is fully seated in the transmission.

Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the transmission until the splines are past the DT-51504 Seal Protector (1).

5. Remove the DT-51504 Seal Protector from the transmission.

6. Install the front wheel drive shaft into the front wheel bearing/hub.

7. Lower Control Arm@Steering Knuckle - Install.

8. Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod@Steering Knuckle - Install.

9.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

Wheel Drive Shaft Nut(1) - Install a NEW nut.

Tighten

1. First Pass: 150 N.m (111 lb ft)
2. Second Pass: Loosen 45 degrees
3. Final Pass: 250 N.m (185 lb ft)

10. Install the tire and wheel assembly.

11. Inspect the transmission fluid level.

12. Remove the drain pan.

13. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

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