Buick Regal: Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side

Special Tools

DT-45859 Axle Remover

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the left rear 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 rear wheel drive shaft nut.

4.

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

5.

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

6. Rear Suspension Knuckle - Remove.

7.

Use a suitable flat bladed tool (1) to separate the rear wheel drive shaft (2) from the differential carrier assembly.

8.

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft(1) - Remove.

9.

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

10. Wheel Drive Shaft O-Ring(2) - Remove and DISCARD.

Installation Procedure

1.

Wheel Drive Shaft O-Ring(2) - Install NEW.

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

3.

Rear Wheel Drive Shaft(1) - Install.

4.

Install the rear wheel drive shaft (1) until it is fully seated into the differential carrier assembly (2).

5. Rear Suspension Knuckle - Install.

6.

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: Fastener Caution.

Rear 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 (199 lb ft)

7. Install the left rear tire and wheel assembly.

8. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

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