Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Wheel Bearing Support Tool Installation:

CAUTION: Do not apply vehicle load to the wheel bearing after removal of the driveshaft. If a load must be applied to the bearing in moving the vehicle, temporarily secure with special tool No. MB990998 or equivalent.
1. Remove under cover and center member from vehicle, if so equipped.
2. Remove hub nut cotter pin, hub nut and washer, then raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove lower ball joint from steering knuckle, using steering linkage puller No. MB991113 or equivalent.
4. Remove tie rod from steering knuckle using tool No. MB991113 or equivalent.
5. On drive axles equipped with center bearing, remove center bearing bracket mounting bolts.

Fig. 2 Front Drive Axle Removal From Transaxle Case:

Fig. 3 Pressing Front Drive Axle From Hub:

6. On drive axles not equipped with center bearing, insert pry bar between transaxle case and drive shaft, then pry drive axle from transaxle case. Remove drive axle from hub using axle shaft puller No. CT-1003 or equivalent.
CAUTION: Do not pull on drive axle or joints will be damaged. Do not insert pry bar further than necessary or damage to oil seal will result.
7. On drive axle equipped with center bearing, remove driveshaft from hub using shaft remover No. CT-1003 or equivalent. Remove driveshaft and inner shaft from transaxle by lightly tapping tripod joint with plastic hammer.
CAUTION: Do not pull on drive axle or joints will be damaged.
8. On all drive axles, reverse procedure to install. Torque bearing bracket bolts to 29-39 lb-ft, and drive axle nut to 145-188 lb-ft.