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 hub dust cap and loosen drive axle nut, then raise and support front of vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Remove under cover, then remove strut bar and ball joint from lower control arm.
CAUTION: Use care not to damage ball joint dust boot.
3. Drain transaxle fluid.

Fig. 2 Front Drive Axle Removal From Transaxle Case:

4. Insert a suitable pry bar between transaxle case and outer case of double offset joint, then withdraw drive axle. Cover drive axle opening in transaxle. When removing drive axle, support at tripod or double offset joint and pull shaft straight out to prevent damage to boot or joint. After disconnecting drive axle from transaxle, support shaft in proper position.
CAUTION: Pry bar should not be inserted more than 0.28 inch between transaxle case and outer case of offset joint, as damage to oil seal may result. The double offset joint retainer ring should be replaced whenever the drive axle is removed from transaxle case.

Fig. 3 Pressing Front Drive Axle From Hub:

5. Press drive axle, from hub using axle shaft puller No. CT-1003.
CAUTION: When pressing drive axle from hub, use care to prevent the spacer from moving out of position.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Position drive axle so that raised inner diameter of washer is facing nut, then install and torque drive axle nut to 145-188 lb-ft.