Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Tools Required
* J 2619-O1 Slide Hammer
* J-46009 Front Axle Shaft Removal Tool

Removal Procedure

Important: Prevent the seals (boots) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the seals (boots).

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the engine under cover.




4. Using a punch and a hammer, unstake the staked part of the lock nut.
5. Remove the drive shaft lock nut.
6. Remove the wheel speed sensor wire and brake hose retainer from the strut assembly.




7. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle.
8. Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
9. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

Caution: Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing personal injury or damage to the vehicle.

10. Using a plastic hammer, disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing and support the wheel drive shaft.
11. Drain the transaxle case.
12. Using J-46009 and J 2619-01 remove the left side axle shaft from the transaxle.
13. Using J-46009 and J 2619-01 remove the right side axle shaft from the transaxle.
14. Using pliers in order to remove the snap ring (2) and drive shaft from the vehicle.
15. Remove the right hand wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
16. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft retaining ring.

Installation Procedure

Important: Prevent the boots (seals) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the boots (seals).

1. Install a new wheel drive shaft retaining ring.
2. Install the wheel drive shaft to the transaxle.
3. Push the wheel drive shaft into transaxle until the retaining ring is fully seated.
4. Verify that the wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.

1. Grasp the inner (tripod) housing.
2. Pull the inner (tripod) housing outboard. Do not pull on the wheel drive shaft bar.
The wheel drive shaft will remain in place when the retaining ring is properly seated.

5. Install the wheel drive shaft to the wheel hub and bearing.
6. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
7. Connect the outer tie rod end assembly to the steering knuckle.




8. Install a NEW wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool through the caliper and into the brake rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 216 N.m (159 lb ft).

9. Using a punch and hammer, stake the locknut.
10. Install the wheel speed sensor.

Tighten the wheel speed sensor retaining bolt to 8 N.m (71 lb in).

11. Install the engine under cover.
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.