Driveaxle — removal and installation
Note: Obtain a new drive axle/hub nut before starting this procedure.
Removal
Note: Not all of the steps in this procedure apply to all models. Read through the procedure carefully and determine which steps apply to the vehicle being worked on before actually beginning any work.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
3. Unstack the drive axle/hub nut (see illustration).
10.3 Using a hammer and punch or chisel unstack the drive axle/hub nut
4. Remove the drive axle/hub nut. To prevent the hub from turning, brace a prybar between two of the wheel studs and allow the prybar to rest against the floor (see illustration).
10.4 Use a large prybar to immobilize the hub while loosening the drive axle/hub nut (typical)
5. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link at the suspension strut and disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the nuts and bolt securing the ballpoint to the control arm, then pry the control arm down to separate the components (see Suspension and steering systems). Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle and the ABS harness clamp at the suspension strut.
6. To loosen the drive axle from the hub splines, tap the end of the drive axle with a soft-faced hammer or a hammer and a brass punch (see illustration). If the drive axle is stuck in the hub splines and won’t move, it may be necessary to remove the brake disc (see Brakes) and push it from the hub with a two-jaw puller.
10.6 Using a hammer and a brass punch, sharply strike the end of the drive axle — it should move noticeably (don’t push it in too far, though, only until it’s loose)
7. Place a drain pan underneath the transaxle in case lubricant leaks out.
8. If the transaxle has a case protector (the small plastic cover bolted to the transaxle) over the inner CV joint, remove it.
9. Pull out on the steering knuckle and detach the drive axle from the hub (see illustration).
10.9 Pull the steering knuckle out and slide the end of the drive axle out of the hub. There is a sharp ring around the CV joint just behind the stub axle — wrap a rag around it so you don’t cut your hand
10. On right drive axle assemblies, the intermediate shaft and drive axle assembly must be removed as a single unit. If you’re removing the right drive axle on any model, remove the center bearing lock bolt (see illustration), remove the snap-ring (see illustration), grasp the intermediate shaft and pull the splined inner end of the shaft out of the differential side gear (see illustration).
10.10a To release the intermediate shaft bearing from the bearing support bracket, remove this lock bolt
10.10b To remove the snap-ring from the bearing support bracket, pinch the ends together as shown and pull it out of its groove in the bracket (drive axle assembly and bearing support bracket removed from the vehicle for clarity)
10.10c To detach the intermediate shaft from the differential side gear, grasp the shaft firmly and pull
11. If you’re removing the left drive axle, care- fully pry the inner CV joint out of the transaxle (see illustration).
10.11 Pry the splined end of the left drive axle from the transaxle using a screwdriver or crowbar
12. Should it become necessary to move the vehicle while the drive axle is out, place a large bolt with two large washers (one on each side of the hub) through the hub and tighten the nut securely.
13. Refer to Chapter Automatic transaxle for the drive axle oil seal replacement procedure.
Installation
14. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure, but with the following additional points:
- ) When installing the left drive axle, push the drive axle sharply inward to seat the retaining ring on the inner CV joint in the groove in the differential side gear. To ease insertion of the drive axle, position the retaining ring with the ends of the ring at the bottom (6 o’clock).
- ) When installing the right drive axle/intermediate shaft assembly, be sure to tighten the center bearing lock bolt to the torque listed in this Chapter’s
- ) Use a new drive axle/hub nut and tighten it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications, then stake the collar of the nut into the groove in the drive axle.
- ) Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Chapter Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications
- ) Check the transaxle lubricant and add, if necessary, to bring it to the proper level (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
15. Check the intermediate shaft bearing for smooth operation. If it feels rough or sticky it should be replaced. Take it to a dealer service department or other repair shop, as special tools are needed to perform this job.