Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE









^ Tools Required:
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
- J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
- J 36226 Ball Joint Separator
- J 37292-B Axle Seal Protector

NOTICE: Care must be exercised to prevent inboard joints from being overextended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, overextension of the joint could result in separation of internal components and possible joint failure.

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Raise vehicle and suitably support.
2. Wheel and tire.
3. Loosen or remove stabilizer shaft link assembly bolt as needed.
4. Ball joint cotter pin and nut, and loosen joint using J 36226; grease fitting may have to be removed from ball joint for tool access. If removing right axle, turn wheel to the left; if removing left axle, turn wheel to the right.

NOTICE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

5. With pry bar between suspension support and lower control arm, separate joint.
6. Hub nut. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent rotor from turning.





7. Axle from hub, using J 28733-B; hub nut may be partially installed to protect threads. Move strut and knuckle rearward.





8. Using J 33008 and J 2619-01, drive axle from transaxle.

INSTALL OR CONNECT





1. If installing right side drive axle, install J 37292-B such that it can be pulled out after the drive axle is installed.
2. Push axle into transaxle. Verify that drive axle is seated by grasping the inner joint housing and pulling. Do not pull on the drive axle shaft.
3. Drive axle into hub and bearing Install new hub nut. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
^ Tighten hub nut to 145 Nm (107 lb ft).
4. Ball joint to knuckle.
^ Tighten ball joint nut to 10 Nm (88 lb in). Then tighten an additional 120 ° (2 flats on nut) during which a torque of 55 Nm (41 lb ft) must be obtained.
5. Cotter pin. To align slot in nut, tighten nut (up to one more flat).
6. Stabilizer shaft link assembly, and tighten nut to 17 Nm (13 lb ft).
7. If J 37292-B was installed, remove it by pulling in line with handle. Be sure it is completely removed and no pieces are left inside transaxle.
8. Wheel and tire.
9. Lower vehicle.