Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Follow removal procedures outlined in the illustration noting the following.





2. Remove drive shaft nut.





3. Remove tie rod end, lateral lower arm, compression lower arm removal.

CAUTIONS:
a. Be sure to tie the cord of the special tool to a nearby part.
b. Loosen the nut but do not remove it.

4. Remove drive shaft and inner shaft (R.H.) and drive shaft.





a. Use the special tools to push out the drive shaft and inner shaft assembly (L.H.) or the drive shaft (R.H.) from the hub.





b. If the inner shaft and transaxle are tightly joined, tap the center bearing bracket lightly with a plastic hammer, etc. to remove the drive shaft and inner shaft (R.H.) from the transaxle.





c. Insert a pry bar between the transaxle case and the drive shaft from the transaxle.

CAUTION:
1. Always use a pry bar to remove the drive shaft, or the T.J. will be damaged.
2. Do not insert the pry bar so deep, or the oil seal will be damaged.
3. Be careful not to damage the transmission oil seal with the splined section of the drive shaft.





d. Use the special tool as a cover not to let foreign objects get into the transaxle case.





CAUTIONS: Do not apply the vehicle weight to the wheel bearing while loosening the drive shaft nut. If, however, the vehicle weight must be applied to the bearing (in order to move the vehicle), temporarily secure the wheel bearing by using the special tool, MB990998, etc.

INSPECTION
- Check the drive shaft boot for damage or deterioration.
- Check the ball joints for wear or operating condition.
- Check the spline part for wear or damage.

INSTALLATION
1. Follow removal steps in reverse order noting the following.
2. Install drive shaft.

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the transmission oil seal with the splined section of the drive shaft.

3. Install drive shaft nut noting the following:





a. Be sure to install the drive shaft washer as shown.





b. Use the special tool to tighten the drive shaft nut.

CAUTION: Before securely tightening the drive shaft nuts, make sure there is no load on the wheel bearings.

c. If the position of the cotter pin holes does not match, tighten the nut up to 255 Nm (188 ft. lbs.) maximum.
d. Install the cotter pin in the first matching holes and bend it securely.
4. Check the dust cover for cracks or damage by pushing on it with finger.