How to Remove the Drive Shaft of a Cruze?
4 Answers
The method for removing the drive shaft of a Cruze is as follows: 1. Remove the drive shaft from the vehicle, starting by detaching the rear end of the main drive shaft. The removal should begin from the rear end of the rear section of the drive shaft, proceeding forward sequentially. First, unscrew the four bolts on the universal joint fork connected to the drive axle, then detach the rear end of the main drive shaft; 2. Next, unscrew the four bolts on the universal joint fork connected to the intermediate drive shaft; detach the front end, allowing the entire main drive shaft to be removed; 3. Loosen the connecting bolts between the intermediate support and the vehicle frame crossbeam, then detach the end with the intermediate support. Finally, loosen the nuts connected to the parking brake drum and remove the entire intermediate drive shaft.
To remove the Cruze driveshaft, I think you should start with safety preparations: make sure the car is parked on a flat surface, use a jack to lift it steadily, and then support the body with stands to prevent it from shaking. Next, removing the rear wheels will make it easier to access the work area. The driveshaft is connected to the transmission and rear differential—locate those mounting bolts and slowly loosen them with a properly sized wrench, avoiding excessive force to prevent thread damage. The shaft itself is quite heavy, so I recommend getting a friend to help support it and gently remove it without hitting surrounding components. For tools, you’ll need a set of universal wrenches, lifting sliders, or hooks. The whole process might take half an hour to an hour, depending on your skill level. If the bearings or seals appear worn, it’s a good idea to check if they need replacement to avoid accumulating issues.
I've disassembled the driveshaft on my own Cruze before, so here's a quick rundown of my experience: First, safely lift the car and secure it with proper stands—don't skimp by buying low-quality tools. Once the rear wheels are removed, you'll have more space to work. There are usually several bolts involved; use a medium-sized wrench to loosen them. When slowly removing the shaft, its weight might surprise you, so keep your hands steady. I learned from the manual to mark the bolt positions, making reassembly much easier. Doing the whole process myself saved a lot on labor costs, with tools only costing around a hundred bucks. Be mindful of the dust under the car—wearing gloves makes the job more comfortable. Inspecting the shaft for cracks or rust can help extend its lifespan. After finishing, always clean up the workspace—safety comes first.
Safety is paramount when removing the Cruze driveshaft: First, securely support the vehicle body to prevent slipping, and use standard tools carefully when removing bolts. Avoid forcefully pulling the shaft in the middle section, as it may damage other connected components. Wear protective goggles and gloves throughout the operation, as the narrow space increases the risk of abrasions. Simple steps include loosening screws, removing the shaft, and inspecting interface wear. If unsure, it's best to leave it to professionals for peace of mind.
