Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Special Tools

* J-2619-O1 - Slide Hammer

* J-29794 - Axle Shaft Remover Extension

* J-33008-A - Axle Shaft Puller

* J 44394-A - Seal Protector

For the equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.

Removal Procedure

Warning

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 loss of vehicle control.

Caution:
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.

Note: The following service procedure can be used for both left and right front wheel drive shafts.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.





Note: The following procedure is to ensure that the wheel drive shaft assembly does not rotate while the nut is being removed.

3. Insert a punch or brass drift (2) in the brake rotor so that the brass drift or punch rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

4. Using a breaker bar and socket, loosen the wheel drive shaft nut.





Note: DO NOT re-use the wheel drive shaft nut, discard and use NEW.

5. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut (1).

Note: In the following service procedure, it is NOT necessary to completely remove the tie rod end. Only remove the tie rod end form the steering knuckle.

6. Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

7. Remove the stabilizer shaft link at the stabilizer bar and secure. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Front Suspension.

8. Using the appropriate tool, separate the wheel drive shaft from the steering knuckle.

9. Remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement Service and Repair.

10. Remove and relocate the front strut assembly to the side and secure.





Note: The following service procedure can be used on vehicles that are Front Wheel Drive (FWD) left side only, as well as vehicles equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD).

11. Using the J-2619-O1 - hammer, J-29794 - extension, and the J-33008-A - puller, remove the wheel drive shaft.




12. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. Insert the J 44394-A - protector into the transmission.

2. Apply a small amount of grease to the intermediate shaft and or the wheel drive shaft splines. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers [1][2]Axle Shaft Assembly.





Note: The washer must be installed on the wheel drive.

3. Install the washer (1) on the wheel drive shaft (2).




4. Ensure that the front wheel drive shaft is properly seated.

5. Remove the J 44394-A - protector from the oil seal.

6. Install the wheel drive shaft into front strut assembly.

7. Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement Service and Repair.

8. Install the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

9. Install the stabilizer link to the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Front Suspension.




10. Install the wheel drive shaft nut (1), tighten by hand.




11. Insert a brass drift or punch (2) in the brake rotor so that it rest against the brake caliper mounting bracket.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

12. Using a torque wrench and socket (1), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 235 Nm (173 lb ft).

13. Install the wheel house panel on the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Front Liner Replacement.

14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

15. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

16. Check the fluid level of the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level and Condition Check Testing and Inspection.