Buick Regal: Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Right Side (AWD)

Special Tools

DT-45859 Axle Remover

Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the right 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 front 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.

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

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

6. Front Lower Control Arm@Steering Knuckle - Separate.

Attach the DT-45859 Axle Remover (1) to the front wheel bearing and hub assembly using the wheel nuts.

8. Using the DT-45859 Axle Remover (1), separate the front wheel drive shaft from the front wheel bearing and hub assembly.

9. Remove the wheel nuts and the DT-45859 Axle Remover (1) from the front wheel bearing and hub assembly.

10.

Using a suitable flat bladed tool (1), release the front wheel drive half shaft (2).

11.

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft(1) - Remove.

12.

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

13.

Retaining Ring(1) - Remove and DISCARD.

14. O-Ring(2) - Remove and DISCARD.

Installation Procedure

1.

Clean the splines of any old grease and apply a thin coat of NEW high temperature grease prior to installing the NEW O-Ring (2) and NEW Retaining Ring (1).

2. O-Ring(2) - Install NEW.

3. Retaining Ring(1) - Install NEW.

4.

Wheel Drive Shaft Washer(1) - Install NEW.

5.

NOTE: Ensure that the front wheel drive half shaft is fully seated and the retaining ring is engaged.

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft(1) - Install

6. Install the front wheel drive shaft into the front wheel bearing and hub assembly.

7. Front Lower Control Arm@Steering Knuckle - Install.

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

9. Have an assistant apply the brakes.

10.

CAUTION: This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component.

Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Nut(1) - Install NEW and 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)

11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.

12. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

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