Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Cross sectional view of axle shaft:

1. Raise and support vehicle and partially drain transaxle oil.
2. Remove axle boot flange nuts and screws.
3. Remove outer clamps on CV joint boots and pull boots back along axle shaft to completely expose joints.
4. Clean grease from joints.
5. Open snap ring on joints and remove shaft ends from their seats in joint.
6. Turn wheels as necessary to facilitate removal of shafts from their differential seats.
7. Reverse procedure to install. Ensure axle shaft snap ring is properly seated in groove by moving shaft inward and outward several times. Arrow, Fig. 1, indicates shoulder that boot should contact after installation.
8. Apply suitable lubricant to CV joint sockets and the protective boot. Use 3 ounces of lubricant for each joint.