Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
- J 33008-A Axle Shaft Remover
- J 42129 Hub Spindle Remover

Removal Procedure





Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and toss of vehicle control.

Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link.
4. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut (2). Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool (1) into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
5. Disconnect the outer tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle.
6. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
7. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J 42129. The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.





8. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.
^ Right Side:
Remove the top and front transaxle brace bolts to gain access for the J 33008-A.
Use the J 33008-A, the J 29794 and the J2619-01 to separate the axle (2) from the transaxle.
^ Left Side:
Use the J 33008-A, the J29794 and the J2619-01 to separate the axle (1) from the transaxle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the front wheel drive axle (1, 2) into the transaxle.
^ Verify that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.
^ Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outward. Do not pull on the front wheel drive axle shaft.
^ The front wheel drive axle will remain in place when the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.
2. For the right side, install the top and front transaxle brace bolts.
3. Install the front wheel drive axle into the front wheel drive shaft bearing.
4. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
5. Connect the outer tie rod assembly to the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Install a new front wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
^ Tighten the front wheel drive shaft nut to 160 Nm (118 lb ft).
7. Install the stabilizer shaft link.
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.
11. Inspect the wheel alignment.