How to Replace a CV Shaft on a Chevy Trailblazer

by Alibaster Smith

The Chevy TrailBlazer is a mid-sized SUV made by the Chevy division of General Motors. Like all Chevys, the TrailBlazer uses a CV shaft and axle to transfer the power from the engine to the drive wheels. The CV joint is what allows the shaft to flex so that a bump, pothole, or turning doesn't snap the CV shaft in half. Eventually, the protective boot on the shaft does wear out, however; and when that happens, axle grease leaks out. The joint fails and begins to grind. When this happens, replace the CV shaft.

Step 1

Determine which CV joint is bad. Break the lug nuts loose on the appropriate wheel by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise 1/4 turn. Do not unseat the wheel from the hub.

Step 2

Engage the TrailBlazer's emergency brake.

Step 3

Place the jack underneath the Trailblazer's front jack point and jack up on it. The front jack point is located near the radiator and is an extension of the frame.

Step 4

Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off.

Step 5

Loosen the spindle nut using a spindle-nut socket and your impact wrench.

Step 6

Unbolt the top and bottom brake caliper bolts and secure the caliper to the coil springs above the brake assembly.

Step 7

Place the floor jack under the lower control arm jack up on the arm to remove the load from the upper mounting nuts. Remove the brake hose mounting bracket by unbolting the retaining bolts. Remove the steering knuckle pinch bolt at the base of the strut. Separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle by tapping on the knuckle with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the knuckle or the control arm bushings int he process.

Step 8

Move the knuckle and wheel hub out of the way until you can pull the shaft out of the hub assembly.

Step 9

Pull the cotter pin out of the lower control-arm to steering knuckle bolt with pliers and then loosen that bolt. Use the tie rod end puller for this.

Step 10

Wedge a flat tip screwdriver between the transaxle/transmission housing and the end of the CV shaft and pry the shaft out of the transmission.

Step 11

Remove the shaft from the transmission and insert the new shaft. Make sure that the ring clip on the new CV shaft is inserted into the transmission.

Step 12

Reconnect the shaft to the hub assembly, reconnect the lower control arm and steering knuckle, and put the wheel hub and brake assembly back together. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.