Removal/Installation
FRONT DRIVE AXLEFig. 9 Drive Axle Assembly:
Fig. 10 Modifying Seal Protector Tool:
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assemblies.
2. Disconnect parking brake cable end from bracket.
3. Insert a drift punch or screwdriver through caliper into rotor to prevent rotor from turning.
4. Remove axle shaft nut and washer, Fig. 9.
5. Remove brake rotor.
6. Install spring compressor tool J 33432 or equivalent onto spring, then remove three bolts attaching hub and bearing assembly to knuckle.
7. Using hub spindle remover tool No. J 28733-A or equivalent, remove hub and bearing assembly from knuckle.
8. Scribe position of upper bolt that attaches the lower strut mount to the knuckle, then remove bolts and nut attaching strut mount to knuckle.
9. Swing knuckle downward and away from drive axle shaft. Drive axle seal protector J 34754 Fig. 10 should be modified and installed on drive axle prior to performing service procedures. Failure to observe this could result in seal damage and possible joint failure.
10. Using drive axle removal tool No. J 33008, slide hammer tool J 2619-01 and axle shaft remover extension tool No. J 29794 or equivalents, remove axle shaft from differential.
Installation
1. Insert drive axle into differential. Ensure positive engagement by pulling outward on inner axle end. Grasp housing only. Do not grasp and pull on axle shaft.
2. Swing knuckle up to lower strut mount.
3. Position nut plate and install lower strut mount bolts to knuckle. Prior to tightening bolts, align scribe marks top with top bolt. Torque bolts to 148 lb ft
4. Remove seal protector J 34754 from drive axle boot.
5. Install hub and bearing assembly to knuckle and axle spline.
6. Torque hub and bearing attaching bolts to 61 lb ft
7. Remove spring compressor tool No. J 33432 or equivalent.
8. Install rotor, then brake caliper to rotor. Torque caliper attaching bolts to 38 lb ft
9. Connect anti-lock brake sensor to knuckle, then adjust sensor gap as follows:
a. Loosen sensor adjustment screw.
b. Using a feeler gauge, set gap at .028 inch.
c. Torque adjustment screw to 18 lb in
10. Connect parking brake cable end to bracket.
11. Using drift punch or screwdriver to prevent rotor from turning, install new shaft nut and washer, then torque to 185 lb ft
12. Install tire and wheel assemblies, then check camber adjustment. Camber adjustment should not be necessary if lower strut mount-to-knuckle bolts were properly aligned with scribe marks.