dumb founded

[chevman1961]

I have a 2001 silhouette: Im going to be replacing the hub and half shaft.Do I need to separate the lower control arm from the stut to get half shaft out and in? And does the shaft just slide out of the trans?

[dewaynep]

No, I don't think you will have to seperate the lower control arm from the ball joint (you MAY have to). Since you are removing the hub you should have enough clearance to remove the half shaft through the space created by the hub. The half shaft has a circlip that holds it in to the transmission. You just need a prybar to pop it out. Make sure the new one is seated all of the way in to the transmission.

[chevman1961]

Thanks for the input and advise it will be put to good use. It may be a while before I get the money to do this job.Will post when job is done.

[94 Jimmy]

You will probably need a puller (I used my 3 jaw puller, more hassle but I didn't have to buy a new tool), then when you remove the axle nut use the puller to push and compress the half shaft until you can get to the 3 bolts holding the hub assy to the steering knuckle.
Take the time to check the other steering components. When you get it up on jack stands grasp the wheel front and back and see if you can make it move right and left which would indicate a bad tie rod end. If you need to change it, count the number of turns when you remove the old tie rod and put the new one on with the same number of turns, this will get you close to the original toe in so you don't damage your tires until you get a wheel alignment. Next grasp the wheel top and bottom and see if it rocks as you move the wheel in and out at the top and bottom. Any movement would indicate a bad wheel bearing in the hub assy, change it now while it's out.
Check out the Haynes 38036 Repair Manual for the van it's $20 or so and a great read
good luck, wait for spring.
94