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 Puller
- J 42129 Hub Spindle Remover

Removal Procedure







1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Disconnect the tie rod from the knuckle.
4. Insert a drift (1) into the rotor and against the caliper in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
5. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut (2).
6. Remove the stabilizer link.

Important: Be sure that the wheel speed sensor wiring harness is repositioned away from the ball joint after disconnecting the electrical connector from the sensor.

7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor and reposition the wiring harness away from the ball joint.
8. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
9. Using the J 42129 , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing and support the wheel drive shaft.






Important: Be sure to bottom out the threads as much as possible while assembling the J 2619-01 the J 33008-A and the J 29794.

10. Assemble the J 2619-01 , the J 33008-A and the J 29794.
11. Using the J 2619-01 , the J 33008-A and the J 29794 , disengage the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle.
12. Remove the drive shaft from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure






1. Install the axle shaft (2) to the transaxle (1).
2. Verify that the wheel drive shaft is properly engaged to the transaxle by grasping the inner tripod housing and pulling outward. Do not pull on the wheel drive shaft bar. The wheel drive shaft will remain firmly in place when properly engaged.






3. Install the wheel drive shaft (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
4. Install the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
5. Connect the stabilizer link.
6. Connect the wheel speed electrical connector.






7. Insert a drift into the rotor and against the caliper in order to prevent the rotor from turning.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Important: This vehicle is equipped with 2 different style wheel drive shaft nuts. The first design wheel drive shaft nut is a Pac style nut that is painted black in color. The second design is a Solid style wheel drive shaft nut that is gray in color. Both have very different torque values.

First Design Axle Nut (Black):

8. Install the wheel drive shaft nut first design to the axle shaft. Tighten the first design wheel drive shaft nut (Black) to 385 Nm (284 lb ft).

Second Design Axle Nut (Gray):

9. Install the wheel drive shaft nut second design to the axle shaft. Tighten the second design wheel drive shaft nut (Gray) to 235 Nm (173 lb ft).
10. Connect the tie rod to the knuckle.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.