Removal

- TOOLS REQUIRED
- J44015 Steering Linkage Installer
- SA91100C Tie Rod Separator
- SA91112T Axle Seal Protector
- SA9140E Torque Angle Gauge
- SA9161C Axle Boot Clamp Installer
- SA9161C Axle Clamp Installer
- SA9198C C/V Joint Snap Ring Pliers
- SA9203C Axle Boot Clamp Installer

REMOVAL

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON THE HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.





1. With vehicle on the ground, depress brake pedal and remove cotter and drive axle nut. Discard nut and cotter.
2. Raise vehicle on hoist.





3. Remove wheel and tire assembly corresponding to the drive axle being removed.
4. Remove tie rod end torque prevailing nut, discard nut.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to separate joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.





5. Using Tie Rod Separator SA91 100C (or equivalent), separate tie rod end from steering knuckle.





6. Remove lower control arm to steering knuckle nut and bolt.

NOTICE: Be careful not to allow steering knuckle to contact ball stud seal. Contact may cause the seal to rip, requiring ball stud replacement.

IMPORTANT: Place a cloth over the ball stud boot, protecting it from damage caused by contact with steering knuckle.

7. Separate lower control arm from steering knuckle.

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.

IMPORTANT: If difficulty is encountered in separating axle from hub, tap on end of drive axle, using a block of wood and a hammer. Do not hammer directly on end of axle.





8. While pulling knuckle/strut assembly away from vehicle, pull outer end of drive axle out of wheel hub.





9. Support or suspend drive axle assembly.

NOTICE: When removing the right side drive axle on vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles, the stub shaft may come out of the transaxle with the drive axle. When this occurs inspect the seal for damage and replace if necessary. If seal is damaged, refer to "Right Side Axle Seal".

IMPORTANT: Before removing drive axle, place an approved container under the transaxle to catch any fluid spillage.





10. Using a pry bar, remove drive axle from transaxle.





11. Remove shaft retaining ring from end of drive axle or stub shaft and discard (stub shaft shown).