Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

Fig. 10 Inner Joint Removal.:

REPLACE
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove hub nut cap, then the cotter pin, hub nut and washer.
4. Remove tie rod end nut, then separate tie rod from steering knuckle, using tie rod end puller tool No. J-6627-A, or equivalent.
5. Remove ball joint mounting nuts from control arm, then separate knuckle and ball joint from control arm.
6. Using a suitable soft face hammer, remove drive axle from hub assembly. If shaft is difficult to remove, use crankshaft gear puller tool No. J-25287, or equivalent.
7. Remove drive axle assembly from transaxle by gently prying between transaxle case and joint with a suitable pry bar Fig. 10 .
8. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Install drive axle in transaxle first, then the hub assembly.
b. Ensure joint snap ring is seated in transaxle.
c. Tighten to specification.