I have a '97 Blazer and have a very load humming vibration like noise from the front end over 60 mph and I suspect the hub bearings. I intend on replacing the hub bearings but also wanted to check and or pull out the drive axles to verify they are ok or replace them. My Haynes manual says that pre 1999's have flangs and to unbolt them. The one's on my Blazer do not have flanges. So my question is, How do I remove the drive axles without damaging them and how do I reinstall them. My book suggests that 1999's and beyond axles are held in by snap rings.

Any light someone can shed on this would be greatly appreciated.

Royce

 

once everything else it removed-per your manual, they will drive out. I usually use a hammer and some kind of 'longer' punch/drift, hammering outward from underneath. With some 'hammering', outward, they will work their way out. Re-install them by sliding them back in on to the 'shaft' the drove off of and the snap ring will 'snap' them into place/lock them in. Good luck-jerry