Drivetrain - L/H Axle Shaft Removal Tip

Removing a Stuck Left Driveshaft: '99-03 TL

To keep the left drive shaft properly mated to the differential on a '99 TL, the set ring on the end of the inboard joint compresses as it goes through the differential side gear and then expands on the other side of the gear. If the set ring isn't centered when you pry out the inboard joint, the set ring will catch on the gear, causing the drive shaft to stick.

To remove a stuck left driveshaft, first remove the intermediate shaft. Then, looking into the right side of the differential, use a long, thin, flat-tip screwdriver to center the set ring on the end of the inboard joint. With the set ring centered, you should have no trouble prying the inboard joint away from the differential. But be careful not to damage the differential seal when you remove the driveshaft. And, to keep the inboard joint from pulling apart, make sure you remove the drive shaft by prying on the inboard joint, not by pulling on the driveshaft.