Removal and Installation

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT





COMPONENTS

REMOVAL





1. Remove the wheel and tire.
2. Drain the gear oil or transaxle fluid.





3. Remove the split pin and drive shaft nut from the front hub.
4. Remove the 2 bolts and disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle.





5. Using a plastic hammer, disconnect the drive shaft from the axle hub.
6. Push the axle hub toward the outside of the vehicle, and separate the drive shaft from the axle hub.





7. Insert a pry bar between the center bearing bracket and the drive shaft, and then pry the drive shaft from the transaxle. (V6 ENG.)

NOTE: Do not pull on the drive shaft; doing so will damage the D.O.J. or T.J.: be sure to use the pry bar.





8. Insert a pry bar between the transaxle case and the drive shaft, and pry the drive shaft from the transaxle (EXCEPT V6 ENG.).

NOTE:
1) Do not pull on the drive shaft; doing so will damage the D.O.J.; be sure to use the pry bar.
2) Do not insert the pry bar deeply enough to damage the oil seal.





CAUTION: Do not apply the vehicle weight to the wheel bearing while the drive shaft is disconnected. If the vehicle's weight must be applied (because of vehicle movement or some other reason), use the special tool to hold the wheel bearing, as shown in the image.





9. After releasing the auto tensioner, remove the drive belt. (V6 ENG.)
10. Remove the alternator assembly (V6 ENG.)





11. Remove the two center bearing bracket mounting bolts. Insert the pry bar between the center bearing bracket and the cylinder block to disconnect the bracket from the cylinder block.
12. Remove the inner shaft from the transaxle.





13. Using the special tool, remove the tone wheel.

INSPECTION





1. Check the drive shaft boots for damage and deterioration.
2. Check the splines for wear and damage.

INSTALLATION





1. Coat gear oil to the drive shaft splines and differential case sliding surface.
2. Before installing the drive shaft, set the opening side of circlip facing downward.
3. After installation, check that the drive shaft cannot be removed by hand.
4. Install the washer under the drive shaft nut with facing the convex side outward as shown in the illustration.





5. Tighten the following parts to the specified torque.