A half shaft on a Chevy Impala transfers power from the engine to the wheels. One end of the shaft is connected to the transaxle, and the other end is connected to the hub assembly at the drive wheels. The shaft has a joint, called a CV joint, that gives the shaft flexibility. Over time, these joints wear out and are typically the reason the Impala's shaft needs to be replaced. If or when this happens, you must remove an axle from your transmission and replace it.
Remove the wheel cover and remove the wheel hub nut using the impact wrench.
Break the lug nuts loose on the Impala's wheels. To do this, turn the lug nuts on the front wheels 45 degrees counterclockwise.
Raise the Chevy Impala off the ground using the floor jack. Jack up on the front jack point located behind the radiator.
Place jack stands under each side of the car, under the pinch welds, and lower the Impala onto the jack stands.
Continue to remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
Remove the drive axle hub nut. Prevent the wheel from moving by wedging a pry bar between two of the wheel studs while you loosen it with the impact wrench.
Unbolt and remove the damper fork from the shock assembly and lower connecting arm.
Separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle using the ball joint separator.
Swing the knuckle/hub assembly out and away from the Impala while you pry the half shaft out of the transaxle with either a large screwdriver or a pry bar.
Install the new half shaft. Installation is the reverse of removal.
