Front Axle

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL
1. Remove tires from vehicle with power tool.
2. Remove brake caliper with power tool. Hang it in a place where it will not interfere with work.

NOTE: Avoid depressing brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.

3. Put alignment marks on disc rotor and wheel hub and bearing assembly, then remove disc rotor.
4. Remove wheel sensor from steering knuckle.

CAUTION: Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.

5. Remove cotter pin, then remove lock nut from drive shaft.
6. Remove steering outer socket and cotter pin at steering knuckle, then loosen mounting nut.

7. Use a ball joint remover (SST) to remove steering outer socket from steering knuckle. Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to threads and to prevent ball joint remover (SST) from coming off suddenly, temporarily tighten mounting nut.

8. Using a puller (suitable tool), remove wheel hub and bearing assembly from drive shaft.

NOTE:
^ When removing wheel hub and bearing assembly, do not apply an excessive angle to drive shaft joint. Also be careful not to excessively extend slide joint.
^ Do not hang over drive shaft with out support.

9. Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly fixing bolt.
10. Remove splash guard and wheel hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle.
11. Remove strut assembly and steering knuckle fixing bolts and nuts.
12. Remove transverse link and steering knuckle fixing bolt and nut.
13. Remove steering knuckle from vehicle.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Check for deformity, cracks and damage on each parts, replace if necessary.

Ball Joint Inspection
Check for boot breakage, axial looseness, and torque of transverse link and steering outer socket ball joint.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Be sure to replace the new differential side oil seal every removal of drive shaft.

^ Install in the reverse order of removal.

NOTE: Refer to component parts location and do not reuse non-reusable parts.

^ To assemble disc rotor and wheel hub and bearing assembly, align the marks.