How to Change the Front Axle on a 2006 GMC 2500HD Pickup

The later-model heavy duty GM pickup was a far different animal than its predecessors. GM made the controversial switch from a solid front axle to an independent front suspension with the late-model 2500HD; an advent that traded a bit of simplicity for a better ride and greater versatility. The switch to CV joints also made replacement a fairly straightforward procedure, at least compared to replacement procedures for earlier solid axles.

Instructions

1

Lift the front of the truck, support it on jackstands and remove the wheels. Remove the center hub-cap with a flat-head screwdriver to access the center axle nut. Hold the brake rotor in place by slippring a large screwdriver between the vanes, and remove the center axle nut. Discard the nut -- it's single-use only. Remove the stabilizer-bar link.

2

Unbolt and remove the brake calipers, and hang them from the frame using heavy-duty wire. Use your axle remover tool to press the brake rotor off of the axle splines. The axle remover bolts to the wheel studs, and uses a bolt-like central shaft to push on the end of the axle to pull the rotor off. Remove the six bolts that secure the driveshaft assembly to the center differential and pull the shaft assembly out through the lower control arm opening.

3

Install in the reverse order of removal. Install the new axle, and torque the flange bolts to 58 foot-pounds. Reinstall the rotor, and tighten the new center nut to 177 foot-pounds. The rotor will spline onto the shaft as you tighten it. Tighten the stabilizer bar link to 15 foot-pounds, and the brake caliper bolts to 80 foot pounds. Reinstall the tires, and lower the truck.