Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair

Special Tools:

Removal

1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.






3. Remove the hub nut.
1 Remove and discard the cotter pin.
2 Remove the retainer.
3 Remove the hub nut.






4. Position the front disc brake caliper aside.
1 Remove the two caliper bolts.
2 Lift the front disc brake caliper off the front disc brake caliper anchor plate and position aside.






5. Remove the upper ball joint castle nut.
1 Remove and discard the cotter pin.
2 Remove the castle nut.






6. Using Pitman Arm Puller, separate the front wheel knuckle from the front suspension upper arm.






7. Remove the six front wheel halfshafts and joint bolts.






8. CAUTION: Use caution to avoid damaging the hub seal when removing the front drive halfshaft.

Separate the halfshaft assembly from the hub and remove the halfshaft assembly from the vehicle.


Installation






1. Install the halfshaft, then the six halfshaft bolts.






2. Install the front disc brake caliper.
1 Position the front disc brake caliper.
2 Install the front disc brake caliper bolts.






3. Install the wheel hub nut.
1 Install the hub nut.
2 Install the retainer.
3 Install a new cotter pin.






4. Install the front suspension arm upper ball joint castle nut.
1 Position the front wheel knuckle.
2 Install the upper ball joint castle nut.
3 Install a new cotter pin.

5. NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.

6. Install the wheel and tire assembly.