Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

Two Wheel Drive

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. MB990998-01, or equivalent.

Fig.1 Wheel Bearing Support Tool Installation:

1. Loosen drive axle nut, then raise and support front of vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Using special tool No. MB991113-01, disconnect lower arm ball joint from knuckle.

Fig.2 Ball Joint Removal From Steering Knuckle:

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

Fig.3 Tie Rod Removal From Steering Knuckle:

4. Press driveshaft from hub using shaft puller No. MB990241-01.

Fig.4 Driveshaft Removal From Front Hub:

5. Insert a suitable pry bar between the transaxle case and the driveshaft, and pry the shaft from the transaxle,. Do not pull on the shaft, as damage to the joint may result. Pry bar should not be inserted too deep, as damage to the oil seal may result.

Fig.5 Driveshaft Removal From Transaxle Case:

6. Reverse procedure to install. Lower vehicle to the ground and tighten knuckle to lower arm ball joint nut, and torque axle nut to 188 ft. lbs. maximum.

All Wheel Drive

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. MB990998-01, or equivalent.

Fig.1 Wheel Bearing Support Tool Installation:

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

Fig.2 Ball Joint Removal From Steering Knuckle:

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

Fig.3 Tie Rod Removal From Steering Knuckle:

4. Press driveshaft and inner shaft assembly from hub using shaft puller No. MB990241-01.

Fig.4 Driveshaft Removal From Front Hub:

5. Remove driveshaft and inner shaft assembly from transaxle by lightly tapping the tripod joint case with a plastic hammer.

Fig.6 Driveshaft & Inner Shaft Assembly Removal From Transaxle Case:

6. Reverse procedure to install. Lower vehicle to the ground, then tighten knuckle to lower arm ball joint nut, and torque axle nut to 188 ft. lbs. maximum.