Removal and Installation

REMOVAL
Inspection





Driveshaft Boot
Check the boots on the driveshaft for cracks, damage, leaking grease or loose boot bands. If any damage is found, replace the boot.

Spline Looseness
Turn the driveshaft by hand, and make sure the splines and joints are not excessively loose. If damage is found, replace the joints if necessary.

Twisted or Cracked
Make sure the driveshaft is not twisted or cracked. Replace if necessary.

1. Raise the vehicle, and place safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Drain the transmission fluid.

NOTE: It is not necessary to drain the transmission fluid when the right driveshaft is removed.





4. Raise the locking tab on the spindle nut, then remove the nut.

NOTE: Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and inside of the wheel.





5. Remove the banjo bolt, and disconnect the brake hose, then remove the brake hose clamp from the knuckle.

CAUTION: Avoid spilling brake fluid on painted, plastic or rubber surfaces as it can damage the finish; wash spilled brake fluid off immediately with clean water.

NOTE: Cover the end of the brake hose with a clean rag to prevent contamination of the system. Then secure the hose to the suspension arm.





6. Remove the wheel sensor from the knuckle and the rear of the lower arm, then secure the wheel sensor wire to the suspension arm.

NOTE:
- Do not disconnect the wheel sensor.
- Avoid twisting the wires when reinstalling the wheel sensor.

7. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the body.





8. Remove the flange bolt, then disconnect the toe control arm from the body.





9. Hold the damper lower mount of stabilizer link with a wrench, and remove the damper mounting nut.
10. Hold the ball pin of the stabilizer link with a hex wrench, and loosen the self-locking nut.





11. Remove the self-locking nut, then remove the stabilizer link from the stabilizer bar and knuckle.





12. Remove the self-locking nut and flange bolt.
13. Remove the self-locking nut and adjusting bolt, then disconnect the lower control arm from the subframe.





14. Pull the knuckle outward, and remove the driveshaft outboard joint from the knuckle using a plastic hammer.





15. Pry the driveshaft assembly with a screwdriver as shown to force the set ring past the groove.





16. Pry the inboard joint outward, then remove the inboard joint from of the differential case or intermediate shaft as an assembly.

CAUTION:
- Do not pull on the driveshaft, as the inboard joint may come apart.
- Use care when prying out the assembly, and pull it straight to avoid damaging the differential oil seal or the intermediate shaft dust seal.

17. Installation is the reverse order of removal. After installing the driveshafts, adjust the wheel alignment.