Axle Shaft Assembly: Service Precautions

Drive Axle

Do not let the drive axle hang down when working on the vehicle. The inner joint could be damaged if it is bent too far.

The wheel bearing must not be under a load while the drive axle threaded connection on the wheel side is loose. If the bearings are loaded by the vehicle weight the wheel bearing will be damaged. This reduces the service life of the wheel bearings. Observe the following when doing so:

• For the procedure for loosening the twelve-point bolt, refer to => [ Drive Axle Outer Joint Twelve Point Nut, Loosening and Tightening ] Rear Suspension.

Vehicles without a drive axle must not be moved, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. If a vehicle must be moved, be sure to note the following:

• Install an outer joint in place of the drive axle.

• Tighten the threaded connection between the outer joint and the wheel hub to 150 Nm.