Axle Shaft: Service and Repair

NOTE: Do not begin this removal procedure unless the following new parts are known to be available: hub retainer nut, lower control arm to steering knuckle attaching nut and bolt, inboard CV joint stub shaft circlip and link shaft snap ring. Once removed these components must not be reused, as their torque holding ability or retention capability is greatly diminished during removal.

1. Loosen hub nut and lug nuts, then raise and support front of vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and tire assemblies, then remove hub nut and washer and discard nut.
3. Remove and discard lower ball joint-to-steering knuckle attaching nut and pinch bolt, then using a pry bar, separate ball joint from steering knuckle.

CAUTION: When separating ball joint from steering knuckle, use caution to avoid cutting or damaging ball joint boot.

4. Remove ABS sensor (if equipped) and position aside.
5. Remove stabilizer bar link at stabilizer bar.
6. To remove both driveshafts, proceed as follows:
a. Turn steering hub to one side or wire and/or wire strut assembly aside.

Fig. 2 Inboard CV Joint Removal Tools:

b. Remove CV joint from transaxle using puller tools attached to the inboard side of the inboard CV joint.
c. Horizontally suspend shaft with wire.

CAUTION: Do not allow shaft to hang unsupported as damage to the outboard CV joint can result.

Fig. 1 Front Hub Separation From Outer CV Joint:

d. Separate hub assembly from outer CV joint using hub remover T81P-1104-C, adapters T83P-1104-BH, T86P-1104-A1 and T81P-1104-A or equivalent. Never use a hammer to separate hub assembly from outer CV joint. Damage to the joint threads and internal components may result.
e. Remove driveshaft from vehicle.
7. Prior to installation, install new circlip on inboard CV joint stub shaft and/or linkshaft. The original circlip cannot be reused.
8. Align CV joint splines with transaxle differential splines, then push CV joint into differential splines until circlip is felt to seat inside side gears. Some force may be necessary to insert CV joints. Ensure differential oil seal is not damaged during installation. If difficulty is encountered installing CV joints, a non-metallic mallet may be used on the outside CV joint stub shaft.
9. Align CV joint splines with hub splines, then install stub shaft in hub as far as possible.
10. Temporarily fasten rotor to hub with two lug nuts and suitable washers. Install steel rod between lug nuts and use to prevent rotor from turning.
11. Install hub washer and new hub nut, then manually thread nut onto CV joint stub shaft as far as possible.
12. Connect steering knuckle to lower ball joint stud, then install new nut and bolt and tighten to 40-55 ft lb.
13. Install ABS sensor.
14. Connect stabilizer bar to stabilizer bar link and tighten to 38-48 ft lb.
15. Install wheel and tire assembly, then lower vehicle to ground. Tighten hub nut to 180-200 ft lb, then tighten wheel lug nuts to 80-105 ft lb.
16. Check transaxle fluid, add if necessary.