How to Replace CV Axle Shaft 02-06 GMC Envoy XL

Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Gmc Envoy

Replace a CV axle shaft on a 2002-2006 GMC Envoy XL, including removing the brakes and upper control arm for access.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Pry off the hub cap, loosen the 35mm hub nut and the lug nuts with the truck on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.

2. Remove the rotor and center hub nut

   Remove the caliper's 17mm bolts while holding the back with an 18mm wrench, push the pistons back with a screwdriver, swing the caliper aside, remove the bracket's 18mm bolts, pull the rotor off, then remove the center hub nut.

3. Remove the old axle

   Remove the panel's 15mm bolts for access, unbolt the control arm's 15mm bolts, hammer the upper control arm off its ball joint, free the brake line bracket and its wiring clip, then with a drip pan under the differential, pry the axle loose at the transmission and maneuver it out.

4. Install the new axle

   Fit it into the hub and push it fully in, seat the knuckle back into the control arm's ball joint, refit the brake line bracket and its clip, hammer the control arm back onto the ball joint, then torque its 15mm bolts to about 55-60 ft-lb.

5. Reinstall the rotor and brakes

   Slide the rotor on, hold it with a lug nut, grease the bracket bolts, refit the bracket and torque its bolts to about 110 ft-lb, then fit the brake pads, refit the caliper, and torque its bolts to about 40 ft-lb.

6. Reinstall the wheel

   Torque the hub nut to about 103 ft-lb and the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern, then refit the center cap.

7. Test the brakes before driving normally

   Pump the pedal until firm, test stopping gently at 5 and 10 mph, then road test.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.