Removal and Installation

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL





Caution: The hub bearing could be damaged if it is subjected to the vehicle weight, such as when moving the vehicle with the drive shaft removed. Therefore, if it is absolutely necessary to place the vehicle weight on the hub bearing, first support it with SST.

SST 09608-16042 (09608-02021, 09608-02041)

1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL

Torque: 103 N.m (1,050 kgf.cm, 76 ft.lbf)

2. REMOVE FRONT FENDER APRON SEAL





3. REMOVE COTTER PIN, LOCK CAP AND LOCK NUT

Torque: 294 N.m (3,000 kgf.cm, 217 ft.lbf)

4. DRAIN OUT ATF

5. DISCONNECT TIE ROD END FROM STEERING KNUCKLE





6. DISCONNECT STABILIZER BAR LINK FROM LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
Remove the nut.

Torque: 39 N.m (400 kgf.cm, 29 ft.lbf)

7. DISCONNECT LOWER BALL JOINT FROM LOWER SUSPENSION ARM





8. LOOSEN 6 BOLTS HOLDING DRIVE SHAFT TO DIFFERENTIAL SIDE GEAR SHAFT OR CENTER DRIVE SHAFT

(a) Place matchmarks on the drive shaft and side gear shaft or center drive shaft.

REMOVAL NOTICE: Do not punch the mark.

(b) Using a 8 mm hexagon wrench, loosen the 6 hexagon bolts while depressing the brake pedal.

Torque: 65 N.m (660 kgf.cm, 48 ft.lbf)

REMOVAL HINT: Do not remove the bolts, leave them finger tight to avoid dropping the drive shaft.





9. DISCONNECT DRIVE SHAFT FROM AXLE HUB

(a) Using a plastic hammer, disconnect the drive shaft from the axle hub.

NOTICE: Cover the drive shaft boot with cloth to protect it from damage.

(b) Push the front axle hub toward the outside of the vehicle, and separate the drive shaft from the axle hub.





10. REMOVE LH DRIVE SHAFT
(a) Using a hub nut wrench and hammer handle or equivalent, pull out the drive shaft. as shown.

INSTALLATION HINT:
- Coat gear oil to the side gear shaft and differential case sliding surface.

- Before installing the drive shaft, set the snap ring opening side facing downward.

- Whether or not the side gear shaft is making contact with the pinion shaft can be known by the sound or feeling when driving it in.

- After installation, check that there is 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in.) of play in the axial direction.

- After installation. check that the drive shaft cannot be removed by hand.

(b) Using a screwdriver, remove the snap ring.





11. REMOVE RH DRIVE SHAFT
(a) Remove the bearing lock bolt.

Torque: 32 N.m (330 kgf.cm, 24 ft.lbf)

INSTALLATION NOTICE: Do not damage the oil seal lip.

(b) Using pliers, remove the snap ring, and pull out the drive shaft.

INSTALLATION HINT: Coat gear oil to the side gear shaft and differential case sliding surface.

FRONT DRIVE SHAFT INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

HINT: After installation, check ABS speed sensor signal and front wheel alignment.