Front Driveshaft Replacement

Do not apply vehicle load to the wheel bearing after removal of the driveshaft. If a load must be applied to the bearing in moving the vehicle, temporarily secure bearing with stub axle replacement tool No. MB990998, or equivalentm.

Fig.1 Wheel Bearing Support Tool Installation:

1. Remove dust cover, cotter pin and driveshaft nut.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Drain transmission oil.
4. Disconnect lower arm ball joint from knuckle, then remove stabilizer and strut bars from lower arm.
5. On lefthand driveshaft, remove bearing bracket attaching bolts.
6. On righthand driveshaft, insert suitable pry bar between transmission case and driveshaft, then pry driveshaft from transmission,. Do not pull on driveshaft and do not insert pry bar deep enough to damage oil seal.

Fig.2 Front Drive Axle Removal:

7. On lefthand driveshaft, if inner shaft is hard to remove from transaxle, strike center bearing bracket lightly with a plastic hammer.
8. On all driveshafts, using tool No. MB990241, or equivalent, remove driveshaft from hub.

Fig.3 Pressing Front Drive Axle From Hub:

9. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Ensure driveshaft washer is correctly installed.
b. Lower vehicle to ground, then attach and adjust driveshaft nut, torquing to 144-188 ft. lbs.
c. If cotter pin holes do not line up, tighten bolt without exceeding torque of 188 ft. lbs., until holes line up.
d. Install cotter pin. Always use new cotter pins.
e. Refill transaxle to proper level.