Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

Fig. 7 Removing And Installing Axle Shaft Nut:

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

Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
2. Install a brass drift or a screwdriver to prevent the rotor from turning, Fig. 7.
3. Remove shaft nut and washer.
4. Remove lower ball joint cotter and nut, then loosen ball joint using ball joint separator tool No. J-29330. If removing right axle, turn wheel to left, if removing left axle, turn wheel to the right.
5. Separate the joint by using a pry bar between the suspension support and lower control arm.
6. Pull out on lower knuckle area and with a plastic or rubber mallet strike the end of the axle shaft to disengage axle from hub and bearing.
7. Separate hub and bearing assembly from drive axle and move strut and knuckle assembly rearward.
8. Remove inner joint from transaxle using axle shaft remover tool No. J-28468 or J-33008 if equipped with intermediate shaft, Fig. 1.

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

Installation
1. 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.
2. Drive axle into hub and bearing assembly.
3. Install lower ball joint to knuckle, torque to 41-50 lb ft, then install cotter pin.
4. Install washer and new shaft nut.
5. Insert a screwdriver or drift into caliper and rotor to prevent rotor from turning.Fig. 7.
6. Install hub nut, torque to 185 lb ft on 1989-90 models and 192 lb ft on 1991 models.
7. Install tire and wheel assembly and lower vehicle.