W/Four Wheel Drive

Fig. 1 Wheel Bearing Support Tool Installation:

Do not apply vehicle load to the wheel bearing after removal of the driveshaft. If a load must be applied to the bearing, temporarily secure with special tool No. MB990998-01 or equivalent.
The following procedure is only for the left side drive axle. Refer to "TWO WHEEL DRIVE", for right side drive axle replacement procedure.
1. Loosen drive axle nut, then raise and support front of vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.

Fig. 26 Ball Joint Removal From Steering Knuckle:

2. Using special tool No. MB991113-01, disconnect lower arm ball joint from knuckle.

Fig. 27 Tie Rod Removal From Steering Knuckle:

3. Using special tool No. MB991113-01, disconnect tie rod end from knuckle.

Fig. 28 Driveshaft Removal From Front Hub:

4. Press driveshaft and inner shaft assembly from hub using shaft puller No. MB990241-01.
5. Remove driveshaft and inner shaft assembly from transaxle by lightly tapping the tripod joint case with a plastic hammer.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Lower vehicle, then tighten knuckle to lower arm ball joint nut, and torque axle nut to 188 lb-ft, maximum.