Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair
Removal Procedure^ Tools Required
- J2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
- J33008 Axle Shaft Remover
- J36226 Ball Joint Separator
1. Raise the vehicle and suitably support.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Loosen or remove the stabilizer shaft link assembly bolt as needed.
4. Remove the ball joint cotter pin and nut.
Notice: Handle drive axles with care when they are removed from the vehicle. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and 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 the interior joint or seal damage and possible joint failure.
5. Loosen the joint using the J36226. The grease fitting may have to be removed from the ball joint for tool access. If removing the right axle, turn the wheel to the left; if removing the left axle, turn the wheel to the right.
6. With the pry bar between the suspension support and the lower control arm, separate the joint.
7. Remove the hub nut (2). Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
8. Disconnect the axle from the hub using the (1) J28733. The hub may be partially installed to protect the threads. Move the strut and knuckle rearward.
Notice: Do not attempt to free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or wedge type tool, because seal or bushing damage could result. Use the proper tool to separate all ball joints.
9. Using the (4) J33008 and the (2) J2619-01, disconnect the drive axle from the transaxle.
Installation Procedure
1. Inspect the tripot housing at the transmission seal surface for corrosion, if corrosion is present, sand the surface in a rotational motion around the sealing surface with 320 grit emery cloth until smooth.
2. Lubricate the tripot housing surface with clean transmission fluid.
3. Push the axle into the transaxle (1). Verify that the drive axle is seated by grasping the inner joint housing and pulling. Do not pull on the drive axle shaft.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
4. Install the drive axle into the hub and bearing. Install a new hub nut (2). Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
Tighten Hub nut to 145 Nm (107 ft. lbs.).
5. Connect the ball joint to the knuckle.
Tighten Ball joint nut to 10 Nm (88 inch lbs.). Then tighten an additional 120 degrees (2 flats on nut) during which a torque of 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.) must be obtained.
6. Install the cotter pin. In order to align the slot in the nut, tighten nut (up to one more flat).
7. Install the stabilizer shaft link assembly. Tighten nut to 17 Nm (13 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the wheel and tire.
9. Lower the vehicle.