Removal/Installation

Fig. 1 Exploded View Of Driveshaft & Related Components.:

Fig. 2 Exploded View Of Driveshaft & Related Components.:

Fig. 3 Exploded View Of Driveshaft & Related Components.:

1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheels as necessary and front fender apron seal.
2. Remove cotter pin, locknut cap and locknut from axle spline Figs. 1 through 3.
3. Drain transmission fluid, then using a suitable puller, disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle.
4. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from lower control arm.
5. Disconnect ball joint from steering knuckle.
6. On models with constant velocity type inner joints, using paint or chalk, place match marks on driveshaft inner joint and side gear shaft or center driveshaft, then proceed as follows:
a. Have an assistant apply brakes to prevent axle from turning.
b. Use a suitable drive socket to loosen, but do not remove, six hexagon bolts connecting inner joint to side gear shaft or center drive shaft.
7. Remove outer joint from hub by using a plastic hammer to gently tap drive shaft spline to separate joint from axle hub.
8. Push front axle hub toward outside of vehicle to remove shaft from hub. Use a suitable hanger or jack stand to support shaft, do not allow shaft to hang from inner joint.
9. To separate LH driveshaft from transmission, gently pry shaft out of transaxle with suitable tool, then remove snap ring from splined end of side gear shaft.
10. To separate RH driveshaft from transmission proceed as follows:
a. Remove center drive shaft support bearing lock bolt and snap ring.
b. Using a suitable pry bar and/or soft face hammer pry and/or tap center drive shaft with support bearing from transaxle and support bearing housing
c. Using suitable pliers, remove snap ring from splined end of center driveshaft.
11. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Always use new snap ring on splined end of shaft inserted into transaxle.
b. Ensure positive engagement of snap ring into transaxle.
c. Tighten fasteners to specifications.
d. Fill transaxle to correct level using a suitable fluid.