Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

NOTICE:
^ Care must be exercised to prevent the constant-velocity joints from being over-extended. When either end of the drive axle is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joints and seals should be protected any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or seal damage and possible joint failure.
^ Prior to removal of drive axle assembly, cover all sharp edges in the area of the drive axle with shop towels so that the seal is not damaged during removal.

^ Tools Required
- J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
- J 29794 Drive Axle Removal Extension
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 33008 Axle Remover

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.





4. Place shop towels underneath the outer joint to protect from any sharp edges.
5. Insert a drift (1) into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
6. Remove the drive axle nut (2) and the washer.
7. Remove the lower ball join from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Suspension. If you remove the right axle, turn the wheel to the left. If you remove the left axle, turn the wheel to the right.
8. Disconnect the wheel speed speed sensor harness. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement (Front) in Antilock Brake System.
9. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Suspension.





10. Use the J 28733-B in order to disengage the axle from the hub and the bearing.
11. Separate the hub and the bearing assembly from the drive axle. Move the strut and the knuckle assembly rearward.





12. Remove the inner joint from the transaxle using J 33008 attached to J 29794 and J 2619-01 for the intermediate shaft, if equipped.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTICE: Prior to installation of drive axle assembly, cover all sharp edges in the area of the drive axle with shop towels so that the seal is not damaged during installation.

Any time you remove the front halfshaft, inspect the transmission (the halfshaft male and female shank) and the knuckle sealing surfaces for debris or corrosion. If debris or corrosion are present on the sealing surfaces, clean them with a 4320 grit cloth or equivalent. Use transmission fluid in order to clean off any of the remaining debris. Wipe the surface dry, and reinstall the halfshaft free of any debris or corrosion buildup.





1. Install the drive axle (2) into the transaxle (1). Place a non-ferrous drift into the groove on the joint housing and then tap until the drift is seated. Be careful not to damage the axle seal or dislodge the seal garter spring when you install the axle.





2. Install the drive axle (1) into the hub and bearing assembly (2).

IMPORTANT: Verify that the drive axle is seated by grasping on the inner joint housing and pulling outboard.

3. Install the stabilizer link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Suspension.
4. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement (Front) in Antilock Brake System.
5. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Suspension.





6. Install the washer and the new drive axle nut (2).
Insert a drift (1) into the caliper and the rotor in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
^ Tighten the drive axle nut to 200 Nm (147 lb ft).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Install the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.