Removal

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL

NOTICE: The hub bearing could be damaged if it is subjected to the vehicle weight, such as when moving the vehicle with the drive shaft removed. Therefore, if it is absolutely necessary to place the vehicle weight on the hub bearing, first support it with SST.

SST 09608-16041 (09608-02020, 09608-02040)

1. REMOVE FRONT FENDER APRON SEAL

2. REMOVE COTTER PIN, LOCK NUT CAP AND LOCK NUT
- Remove the cotter pin and lock nut cap.
- Loosen the bearing lock nut while depressing the brake pedal.
3. DRAIN OUT GEAR OIL FLUID

4. DISCONNECT TIE ROD END FROM STEERING KNUCKLE
- Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie rod end.
- Using SST, disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.

SST 09628-62011

5. DISCONNECT STABILIZER BAR LINK FROM LOWER ARM
- Remove the nut and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from lower arm.

6. DISCONNECT STEERING KNUCKLE FROM LOWER BALL JOINT
- Remove the bolt and two nuts.
- Disconnect the steering knuckle from lower ball joint.

7. LOOSEN SIX BOLTS HOLDING DRIVE SHAFT TO DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR SHAFT OR CENTER DRIVE SHAFT
- Place match marks on the drive shaft and side gear shaft or center drive shaft.

NOTICE: Do not use a punch to mark the matchmarks. Use paint, etc.

- Using SST, loosen the six hexagon bolts while depressing the brake pedal.

SST 09923-00020

HINT: Do not remove the bolts, finger tighten them not to drop down the drive shaft.

8. DISCONNECT DRIVE SHAFT FROM AXLE HUB
- Using a plastic hammer, disconnect the drive shaft from the axle hub.

NOTICE: Cover the drive shaft boot with cloth to protect it from damage.

- Push the front axle hub toward the outside of the vehicle, and separate the drive shaft from the axle hub.

9. REMOVE LH DRIVE SHAFT
- Using hub nut wrench and hammer handle or an equivalent, pull out the drive shaft as shown.

- Using a screwdriver, remove the snap ring.

10. REMOVE RH DRIVE SHAFT
- Remove the bearing lock bolt.

- Using pliers, remove the snap ring, and pull out the drive shaft.