Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Tools Required

* J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
* J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
* J 33008-A Axle Shaft Remover
* J 42129 Hub Spindle Remover
* J 44394 Seal Protector

Removal Procedure

Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the wheel drive shaft(s) or wheel drive shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.

Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and the tire.

3. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut.
4. Disconnect the outer tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle.

5. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
6. Separate the front wheel drive axle from the front wheel drive shaft bearing using the J 42129 . The nut can be partially re-installed to protect the threads.

7. Assemble the J 2619-01 , the J 29794 , and the J 33008-A.
8. Using the J 2619-01 , the J 29794 , and the J 33008-A , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the differential enough to install J 44394 .

Notice: J-44394 must be installed into the differential output shaft seal prior to removing and installing the wheel drive shaft. Failure to install J-44394 as indicated may cause the splines of the wheel drive shaft to cut the differential output seal.

9. Carefully install the J 44394 over the wheel drive shaft.
10. Carefully slide the J 44394 into the differential output shaft seal.
11. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
12. Remove the J 2619-01 , the J 29794 , and the J 33008-A from the wheel drive shaft inner joint.

Installation Procedure

Important: In order to prevent lubricant leaks, use care when installing the wheel drive shaft to the differential. Do not damage the oil seal. Replace the oil seal if it becomes nicked, distorted, or otherwise damaged.

2. Carefully install the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the splines are past the J 44394 .

3. Carefully remove the J 44394 from the differential output shaft seal.
4. Carefully continue installing the wheel drive shaft into the differential until the retaining ring is fully seated.
5. Verify the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated:

* Grasp the inner housing and pull the inner housing outward. Do not pull on the front wheel drive axle shaft.
* The front wheel drive axle will remain in place when the front wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.

6. Install the front wheel drive shaft into the front wheel bearing.
7. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
8. Connect the outer tie rod assembly to the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

9. Install a new wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool into the caliper and the rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

Tighten the nut to 215 N.m (159 lb ft).

10. Install the wheel and the tire.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.
13. Inspect the wheel alignment.