How to Replace the CV Half Shaft on a 2002 Grand Prix

The 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix is a front-wheel-drive vehicle incorporating a transaxle arrangement. A transaxle is a combination of transmission and differential in one housing. The CV axle (half shaft) is used to transfer power to the front wheels. There are two separate CV shafts, one on each side of the transaxle extending to the wheel. In order to effectively transfer continuous power, the axles must be allowed to articulate so each axle has an inner and outer CV (constant velocity) joint, which imitates a human wrist in its agility. This ability allows constant power to be transmitted to the wheels vertically or horizontally.

Instructions

Removal

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels using the lug wrench. Raise the front of the car and place a jack stand under the subframe on each side of the car. Lower the car so it rests on the stands. Continue removing the lug nuts on the front wheels and the wheels themselves.

2

Remove the large axle nut in the center of the rotor hub using a socket and breaker bar. Remove the sway bar link nut under the lower control arm using a socket. Remove the nut, washer and bushing and place them aside. Pull the cotter pin out of the outer tie rod end stud using wire cutters.

3

Remove the castle nut on the tie rod stud using a wrench. Insert the tie rod remover tool between the tie rod end and the knuckle. Hit the tool with the hammer until the tie rod frees itself from the knuckle.

4

Remove the lower ball joint nut using a socket. Place the tie rod remover between the ball joint and the knuckle, and hammer it loose. Use a pry bar to lift the knuckle out of the lower control arm ball joint stud.

5

Install the puller on the hub and push the axle shaft out of the hub. Place the drain pan under the transaxle and inboard CV joint. Very little transmission fluid will be lost. Grab the rotor and pull it rearward while freeing the CV joint shaft from the knuckle hub bearing. Hold the CV shaft with one hand and pry the inboard CV joint out of the transaxle with the pry bar.

Installation

6

Insert the inboard CV shaft into the transaxle, making sure to mesh the splines with the shaft. Push it in as far as it goes. Grab the front of the CV joint and pull it out slightly about 1 inch, no more. Now quickly slam the CV joint inward and the inboard shaft will snap into the transaxle.

7

Hold the rotor and knuckle combination rearward while inserting the front CV joint shaft into the hub bearing. Rotate the rotor slightly to help mesh the splines. Once the shaft is in the hub, if it doesnt push all the way through, hold the rotor straight and quickly push in to slam the CV shaft through the hub the rest of the way.

8

Lift the knuckle and lower it onto the lower ball joint. Install the nut and torque it to 15 foot-pounds followed by turning it an additional 120 degrees. Install the cotter pin.

9

Install the outer tie rod end stud into the knuckle. Install the nut and torque it to 22 foot-pounds and an additional 120 degrees. Install the bushing and washer followed by the nut on the sway bar link protruding through the lower control arm. Torque the nut to 17 foot-pounds.

10

Install the washer and large CV shaft nut and torque it to 118 foot-pounds. Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 50 foot-pounds. Lower the car to the ground, then re-torque the lug nuts to 87 foot-pounds.