Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

^ Tools Required
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
- J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover
- J 36226 Ball Joint Separator
- J 37292-B Axle Seal Protector





1. Raise the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to Wheel Removal.
3. Loosen or remove the stabilizer shaft link assembly bolt as needed. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
4. Remove the ball joint cotter pin and nut.

NOTICE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage to the ball Joint and seal.

5. Loosen the joint using the J 36226. The grease fitting may have to be removed from the ball joint for tool access. If removing the right axle, turn the wheel to the left; if removing the left axle, turn the wheel to the right.





6. With the pry bar between the suspension support and the lower control arm, separate the joint.





7. Remove the hub nut (2). Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.





8. Disconnect the axle from the hub using the J 28733-B. The hub may be partially installed to protect the threads. Move the strut and knuckle rearward.

NOTICE: Care must be exercised to prevent inboard joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the Joint could result in separation of internal components and possible Joint failure.





9. Using the (4) J 33008 and the (2) J 2619-01, disconnect the drive axle from the transaxle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. If installing the right side drive axle (2), install the J 37292-8 (3) so that it can be pulled out after the drive axle is installed.
2. Push the axle into the transaxle (1). Verify that the drive axle is seated by grasping the inner joint housing and pulling. Do not pull on the drive axle shaft.





3. Install the drive axle into the hub and bearing. Install a new hub nut (2). Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
^ Tighten hub nut to 145 Nm (107 lb ft).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Connect the ball Joint to the knuckle.
^ Tighten ball joint nut to 10 Nm (88 lb in) Then tighten an additional 120 degrees (2 flats on nut) during which a torque of 55 Nm (41 lb ft) must be obtained.

5. Install the cotter pin. In order to align the slot in the nut, tighten nut (up to one more flat).
6. Install the stabilizer shaft link assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
^ Tighten nut to 17 Nm (13 lb ft).

7. If the J 37292-B was installed, remove it by pulling in line with the handle. Be sure it is completely removed and no pieces are left inside the transaxle.
8. Install the wheel and tire. Refer to Wheel Installation.
9. Lower the vehicle.