Front Axle

REMOVAL
Follow removal steps outlined in illustration.

NOTE: Removal service points as follows:





A. Drive shaft nut removal. (2)





CAUTION: Do not apply the vehicle weight to the wheel bearing while loosening the drive shaft nut. If, however, the vehicle weight must be applied to the bearing (because of moving the vehicle), temporarily secure the wheel bearing by using the special tool, MB990998 or equivalent, etc.





B. Tie rod end ball joint and knuckle/lateral lower arm ball joint and knuckle/compression lower arm ball joint and knuckle disconnection. (3, 6 & 7)

CAUTION:
- Use the special tool to loosen the tie rod end mounting nut. Only loosen the nut; do not remove it from the ball joint.
- Support the special tool with a cord, etc. to prevent it from coming off.

C. Drive shaft and inner shaft (L.H.) or drive shaft (R.H.) removal. (9)





1. If the inner shaft and transaxle are tightly joined, tap the center bearing bracket lightly with a plastic hammer, etc. to remove the drive shaft and inner shaft (L.H.) from the transaxle.





2. Insert a pry bar to the projecting part of the drive shaft to remove the drive shaft (R.H.) from the transaxle.

NOTE: For drive shafts which have no projecting part, refer to (FWD).

CAUTION: Always use a pry bar to remove the drive shaft, or the Tripod Joint (T.J.) will be damaged.





3. Use the special tool as a cover not to let foreign objects get into the transaxle case.

INSPECTION
1. Check the drive shaft boot for damage or deterioration.
2. Check the ball joints for wear or operating condition.
3. Check the spline part for wear or damage.

INSTALLATION
Installation in reverse order as removal.

NOTE: Installation service points as follows:

A. Drive shaft nut installation. (2)





1. Install the drive shaft washer in the specified direction.





2. Use the special tool to tighten the drive shaft nut.

CAUTION: Before securely tightening the drive shaft nuts, make sure there is no load on the wheel bearings.

3. If the position of the cotter pin holes does not match, tighten the nut up to 255 Nm (188 ft. lbs.) in maximum.
4. Install the cotter pin in the first matching holes and bend it securely.