Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair
FRONT DRIVE AXLEREMOVAL PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
NOTICE: Handle drive axles with care when they are removed from the vehicle. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and joint failure. Drive axle joints and seals should be protected any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in the interior joint or seal damage and possible joint failure.
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting Points.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the 6 bolts and the splash shield (1).
4. Remove the 1 bolt (2) and the ABS speed sensor (3) (if equipped) from the steering knuckle.
5. Remove the cotter pin (3) and the lock cap (2) from the wheel drive shaft.
6. Insert a nonferrous drift (1) through the caliper opening into the rotor fins in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
7. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.
8. Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod end.
9. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using the J 24319-a
10. Remove 1 bolt (1) and 2 nuts (2) from the ball joint (3).
11. Separate the ball joint (3) from the control arm.
12. Remove the outer joint (1) from the steering knuckle (2).
NOTICE: On vehicles equipped with Antilock Brake Systems (ABS), use caution not to damage the ABS speed sensor ring on the wheel-side joint. DO NOT pry against the ABS speed sensor ring with metal tools when removing the wheel-side joint from the steering knuckle. If the serrations on the ABS speed sensor ring appear damaged, replace the wheel-side joint.
13. Remove the left side inner joint by gently prying the inner joint housing (2) away from and out of the transaxle.
14. Remove the right side inner joint by gently prying the inner joint housing away from and out of the transaxle.
15. Inspect the following for damage or wear:
^ The boots
^ The joints
^ The front wheel bearing oil seals
^ The wheel drive shaft oil seal at the transaxle
NOTICE: If the vehicle is to be lowered to the ground and moved, the front wheel bearings must be supported with a 14 mm (9/16 inch) bolt, two 44.45 mm (11 3/4 inch) washers, and a 14 mm (9/16 inch) nut assembled through the shaft opening in the hub. Tighten the nut and bolt to 54 Nm (40 lb ft).
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Lubricate the wheel drive shaft splines in order to ensure easy assembly.
2. Lubricate the seal surfaces in order to protect the seal surfaces from cuts during assembly.
3. Install the inner joint into the transaxle.
IMPORTANT: Use only enough force necessary to seat the inner joint into the transaxle.
4. Install the steering knuckle (2) to the outer joint.
IMPORTANT: Verify that the inner joint is seated by grasping the inner joint housing and pulling outward.
5. Install the ball joint to the control arm. Secure with 1 bolt (1) and 2 nuts (2).
^ Tighten the bolt and 2 nuts to 142 Nm (105 lb ft).
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
6. Install the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
^ Tighten the tie rod end nut to 49 Nm (36 lb ft).
7. Install a new cotter pin to the tie rod end.
8. Insert a nonferrous drift (1) through the caliper opening into the rotor fins in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
9. Install the wheel drive shaft nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 225 Nm (166 lb ft).
10. Install the lock cap (2) onto the wheel drive shaft and secure with a new cotter pin (3).
11. Install the ABS speed sensor (3) (if equipped).
^ Tighten the ABS speed sensor bolt (2) to 8 Nm (71 lb in).
12. Install the splash shield (1) with 6 bolts.
^ Tighten the splash shield bolts to 8 Nm (71 lb in).
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Inspect the Toe-In adjustment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.