Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
Tools Required
^ J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
^ J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover Front Hub Spindle Remover
^ J 29794 Extension
^ J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
^ J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator Ball Joint/Stud Separator





IMPORTANT: Prevent the seals (boots) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the seals (boots).

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the wheel and the tire.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link.
4. Remove the 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.
5. Disconnect the outer tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle.
6. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 41820 Ball joint/stud Separator.





7. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover. The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing personal injury or damage to the vehicle.

8. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.

Right Side:
^ Use the J 33008, the J 29794 and the J2619-01 to separate the axle from the transaxle.
Left Side:
^ Use the frame for leverage.
^ Place a flat-bladed tool in the groove on the front wheel drive shaft tri-pot joint (inner joint).
^ Separate the front wheel drive axle from the transaxle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





IMPORTANT: Prevent the boots (seals) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the boots (seals).

1. Seat the front wheel drive axle into the transaxle.
2. Verify that the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.

Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outboard. 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.
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.
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)

NOTICE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

7. Install the stabilizer shaft link.
8. Install the wheel and the tire.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.
11. Inspect the wheel alignment.