Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

Fig. 1 Front Wheel Drive Components And Axle Shaft Removal:

Fig. 2 Front Wheel Drive Components And Axle Shaft Installation. (Typical):

Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
2. Remove brake caliper and bracket assembly, then the rotor.
3. Remove the four bolts holding the hub/bearing assembly to the knuckle.
4. On vehicles equipped with The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt, then position the sensor aside to avoid damage.
5. On vehicles equipped with 125C and HM-282 transaxles and right shaft of vehicles with 440-T4 transaxles, separate the drive axle from the transaxle using axle shaft remover tool No. J-3308, extension tool No. J-29794 and puller tool No. J-2619-01.Fig. 1. On the left shaft of vehicles equipped with 440-T4 transmissions, using the frame for leverage, separate the drive axle from the transaxle with a screwdriver or prybar in the groove provided on the inner joint, Fig. 2.
6. On all transmissions, remove the axle/bearing assembly through the knuckle.

Installation
1. On all transmissions, Install the axle/bearing assembly through the knuckle and into the transaxle. If equipped with ABS, install the ABS assembly.
2. Loosely secure the bearing to knuckle bolts.
3. Seat the drive axle into the transaxle by placing a screwdriver into the groove on the joint housing and tapping until seated, then grasp the inner housing and pull outward. If the snap ring is properly seated, the axle will remain in place, Fig. 2.
4. Using a new nut and washer, install the hub and bearing assembly to axle, torque hub and bearing assembly to knuckle attaching bolts to 52 lb ft
5. Install rotor and brake assembly.
6. Install tire and wheel assembly.
7. Torque drive axle nut to 184 ft. lbs, then lower vehicle.