Removal and Installation
FRONT DRIVE SHAFT
COMPONENTS
REMOVAL
1. Lift up the vehicle and remove the tires.
2. Drain the transaxle fluid.
3. Remove the dust cover.
4. Remove the split pin and drive shaft nut from the hub.
5. Loosen the lower arm ball joint nut but do not remove it.
6. Using the special tool, disconnect the ball joint from the lower arm.
CAUTION: Be sure to tie a cord of the special tool to a nearby part.
7. Loosen the tie rod end nut but do not remove it.
8. Using the special tool, disconnect the tie rod end from the knuckle.
NOTE: Be sure to tie the cord of the special tool to a nearby part.
9. Insert a pry bar between the transaxle case and joint case (T.J or D.O.J), and pry the drive shaft from the transaxle case.
NOTE:
1. Be sure to apply the pry bar to the rib of the transaxle case.
2. Do not insert the pry bar to deep, as this may cause damage to the oil seal. [max. depth ; 7 mm (0.28 inch)].
NOTE: For automatic transaxle, there is a groove in the T.J. for inserting a pry bar.
10. Using special tool (09526-11001), force the drive shaft out of the hub.
NOTE:
1. Place a plug in the hole of the transaxle case to prevent contamination.
2. Support the drive shaft properly.
3. Replace the retainer ring each time the drive shaft is removed from the transaxle case.
INSPECTION
1. Check the drive shaft boots for damage and deterioration.
2. Check the ball joints for wear and operating condition.
3. Check the splines for wear and damage.
INSTALLATION
1. Coat gear oil to the drive shaft splines and differential case sliding surface.
2. Before installing the drive shaft, set the opening side of circlip facing downward.
3. After installation, check that the drive shaft cannot be removed by hand.
4. Install the washer under the drive outward as shown in the illustration.
5. Tighten the following parts to the specified torque.
Drive shaft nut 200 - 260 Nm (2000 - 2600 kg.cm, 148 - 192 ft. lbs.)
Low arm ball joint to knuckle 35 - 45 Nm (350 - 450 kg.cm, 26 - 33 ft. lbs.)
Tie rod end to knuckle 24 - 34 Nm (240 - 340 kg.cm, 18 - 25 ft. lbs.)
6. Install the under cover.