Removal and Installation

Removal

Special Tool Required
Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL00200

1. Loosen the wheel nuts slightly.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.





3. Remove the wheel nuts and front wheels.
4. Lift up the locking tab (A) on the spindle nut (B), then remove the nut.
5. If the driveshaft is removed, drain the transmission fluid. Reinstall the drain plug using a new washer:
- Manual transmission
- Automatic transmission





6. Hold the stabilizer ball joint pin (A) with a hex wrench (B), and remove the flange nut (C). Separate the front stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm.





7. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint castle nut (B), and remove the nut.
8. Separate the ball joint from the lower arm (C) with the special tool. Be careful not to dislodge the lower ball joint from the knuckle.





9. Pull the knuckle outward, and remove the driveshaft outboard joint from the front wheel hub using a plastic hammer.
10. Pry/tap the inboard joint (A) with a prybar, and remove the driveshaft from the differential case or bearing support as an assembly. Do not pull on the driveshaft (B) because the inboard joint may come apart. Draw the driveshaft straight out to avoid damaging the differential oil seal.





Left driveshaft





Right driveshaft

Installation





1. Install a new set ring onto the set ring groove of the driveshaft (left driveshaft).





2. Apply 0.5 - 1.0 g (0.02 - 0.04 oz) of specified grease to the whole splined surface (A) of the right driveshaft. After applying grease, remove the grease from the splined grooves at intervals of 2 - 3 splines and from the set ring groove (B) so that air can bleed from the intermediate shaft.





3. Clean the areas where the driveshaft contacts the differential thoroughly with solvent or carburetor cleaner, and dry with compressed air. Insert the inboard end (A) of the driveshaft into the differential (B) or intermediate shaft (C) until the set ring (D) locks in the groove (E).





4. Install the outboard joint (A) into the front hub (B).





5. Install the knuckle (A) onto the lower arm (B). Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot (C). Wipe off the grease before tightening the nut at the ball joint. Torque the castle nut (D) to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the pin hole. Do not align the nut by loosening.
6. Install the new lock pin (E) into the pin hole from the inside of the vehicle.





7. Connect the front stabilizer link (A) to the lower arm. Hold the stabilizer link ball joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and tighten the new flange nut (D).





8. Install a new spindle nut (A), then tighten the nut. After tightening, use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder (B) against the driveshaft.
9. Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the front wheel, then install the front wheel with the wheel nuts.
10. Refill the transmission with recommended transmission fluid:
- Manual transmission
- Automatic transmission
11. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.