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

Special Tools

J-45859 Hub Spindle Remover

Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly.

2. 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.

3.

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.

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

5. Lower Control Arm@Steering Knuckle - Separate.

6.

Attach the J-45859 remover (1) to the wheel hub using the wheel lug nuts.

7. Using the J-45859 remover (1), separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub.

8. Use a suitable tool to dislodge the wheel drive shaft from the front wheel drive intermediate shaft.

9.

Wheel Drive Shaft(1) - Remove.

10.

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

11.

Retaining Ring(1) - Remove and DISCARD.

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

Installation Procedure

1.

NOTE: Clean the splines of any old grease and apply a thin coat of NEW high temperature grease prior to installing the NEW O-Ring and NEW Retaining Ring.

O-Ring(2) - Install NEW.

2. Retaining Ring(1) - Install NEW.

3.

Wheel Drive Shaft Washer(1) - Install NEW.

4.

NOTE: Ensure that the wheel drive shaft is fully seated onto the front wheel drive intermediate shaft.

Wheel Drive Shaft(1) - Install.

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

6. Lower Control Arm@Steering Knuckle - Install.

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

8.

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)

9. Install the tire and wheel assembly.

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