Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Tools Required
^ J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
^ J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
^ J 33008-A Axle Shaft Remover
^ J 42129 Hub Spindle Remover

Removal Procedure

Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.

Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and the tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.





3. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut.
4. Disconnect the outer tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.





5. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
6. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J 42129 The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.





7. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle.Use the J 33008-A , the J 29794 and the J 2619-01 to separate the axle from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the wheel drive shaft into the transaxle.
2. Verify that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated:
^ Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outward. Do not pull on the front wheel drive axle shaft.
^ The front wheel drive axle will remain in place when the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.





3. Install the front wheel drive shaft into the front wheel bearing.
4. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
5. Connect the outer tie rod assembly to the steering knuckle.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Install a new wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

Tighten the nut to 215 N.m (159 lb ft).

7. Install the wheel and the tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.
10. Inspect the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment