Drive Axle
This article has been updated with TSB 73-32-03AFRONT DRIVE AXLE
NOTICE: Care must be exercised to prevent the constant-velocity joints from being over-extended. When either end of the drive axle is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joints and seals should be protected any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or seal damage and possible joint failure.
NOTICE: Prior to removal of drive axle assembly, cover all sharp edges in the area of the drive axle with shop towels so that the seal is not damaged during removal.
^ Tools Required:
- J 38892 Ball Joint Separator
- J 28733-A Front Hub Spindle Remover
- J 29794 Drive Axle Removal Extension
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 28468 Axle Remover or J 33008 Axle Remover
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Negative battery cable.
2. Raise vehicle and suitably support.
3. Tire and wheel assembly.
4. Install shop towels underneath the outer joint to protect from any sharp edges.
5. Insert drift or non-ferrous drift into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
6. Drive axle nut and washer.
7. Lower ball joint cotter pin and nut and loosen joint using J 38892. If removing right axle, turn wheel to the left. If removing left axle, turn wheel to the right.
8. Disconnect ABS sensor wire.
NOTICE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.
9. Disconnect stabilizer link.
10. Separate joint by using J 38892.
11. Disengage axle from hub and bearing using J 28733-A.
12. Separate hub and bearing assembly from drive axle. Move strut and knuckle assembly rearward.
13. Inner joint from transaxle using J 28468 or J 33008 attached to J 29794 and J 2619-01 for intermediate shaft, if equipped.
INSTALL OR CONNECT
NOTICE: Prior to installation of drive axle assembly, cover all sharp edges in the area of the drive axle with shop towels so that the seal is not damaged during installation.
Inspect
With removal of front halfshaft for any reason, the transmission (the halfshaft male and female shank) and knuckle sealing surfaces should be inspected for debris or corrosion.
Clean
If debris or corrosion are present on the sealing surfaces clean with 320 grit cloth or equivalent. Transmission fluid may be used to clean off any remaining debris. The surface should be wiped dry and the halfshaft reinstalled free of any debris or corrosion buildup.
1. Drive axle into transaxle or intermediate shaft by - placing a non-ferrous drift into the groove on the joint housing and tapping until seated. Be careful not to damage axle seal or dislodge seal garter spring when installing axle.
Important
- Verify that drive axle is seated by grasping on the Inner Joint housing and pulling outboard.
2. Drive axle into hub and bearing assembly.
3. Lower ball joint to knuckle.
Tighten
- Ball joint to steering knuckle nut to 55 Nm (41 lb ft) minimum tightening specification 65 Nm (48 lb ft) maximum tightening specification to install cotter pin. Do not loosen nut at any time during installation.
4. Cotter pin.
5. Washer and new drive axle nut.
6. Insert drift or screwdriver into caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
Important
- USE TORQUE WRENCH to tighten drive axle nut to specification.
Important
- Replace the drive axle nut with a new one after every removal. never re-use the drive axle nut.
Tighten
- Drive axle nut (New) to 385 Nm (284 lb ft) +/- 5 Nm (44 lb in).
7. Tire and wheel assembly.
8. Lower vehicle.
9. Negative battery cable.