Drive Axle Installation
NOTICE: When inserting drive axle into transaxle, be careful not to contact oil seal with drive axle splines. The splines can damage the oil seal.
1. For left side drive axle, install transaxle seal protector SA91112T (or equivalent).
2. Insert drive axle into transaxle.
3. After drive axle splices have safely passed the transaxle oil seal, remove seal protector and fully seat drive axle into transaxle.
4. For right side drive axle, insert inner end of drive axle onto the outer end of the intermediate drive shaft and push axle firmly to engage axle retaining ring.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the CV joint boots, be careful not to allow them to contact other parts during the removal/installation process. Also, never pull on the shaft assembly.
5. Insert outer end of drive axle into the wheel hub. Do not install drive axle-to-hub washer or nut at this time.
NOTICE: Be careful not to allow steering knuckle to contact ball stud seal. Contact may cause the seal to rip, requiring control arm replacement.
6. Install lower control arm ball stud into steering knuckle. Install ball stud castle nut.
IMPORTANT: Do not tighten fastener at this time.
IMPORTANT: The rod end threads must be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated before installing and tightening nut. Lubricate only the threaded part of the stud. Do not lubricate the smooth tapered portion of the stud.
7. Attach tie rod end-to-steering knuckle with castle nut and a new cotter pin.
- Torque: 45 Nm (33 lb ft)
IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to rotate the castle nut after tightening to align it with the hole in the stud, always tighten the nut to align it; never loosen it.
IMPORTANT: Lower control arm ball stud threads must be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated before installing and tightening nut.
8. Tighten ball joint stud castle nut and install new cotter pin.
- Torque: 75 Nm (55 lb ft)
IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to rotate the castle nut after tightening to align it with the hole in the stud, always tighten the nut to align it; never loosen it.
NOTICE: Use new nut; torque retention of old nut may not be sufficient.
9. Install axle-to-hub washer and new nut.
- Torque: 200 Nm (148 lb ft)
IMPORTANT: When tightening axle nut, have a helper depress brake pedal to prevent axle rotation.
10. Install side splash shield.
IMPORTANT: For left side, install rear section of shield first, then front. For right side, install front section of shield first, then rear.
11. Install tabs in body cut-out.
12. Align molded-in shield fasteners with holes in cradle. Push straight in to install.
13. Install push pins.
IMPORTANT: Make sure shield flaps are tucked in at body locations.
NOTICE: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel lug nuts to loosen in service.
14. Position wheel onto hub.
15. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.
- Torque: 140 Nm (103 lb ft)
16. Lower vehicle from hoist.
17. Fill transaxle to correct level with proper lubricant.
18. Connect negative battery cable to battery.
- Torque: 17 Nm (151 lb in)