Front Drive Axle

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front
^ Tools Required
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 29794 Axle Shaft Remover Extension
- J 33008-A Axle Shaft Puller
- J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover

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 splash shield.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor.

Important: Note the relationship between the halves of the 2-piece ramped washer. The ramped sides must face each other when installing the washer.

6. Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut (2) and the ramped, 2-piece washer. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool (1) through the caliper and into the brake rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
Discard the wheel drive shaft nut.
7. Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle; do NOT loosen the tie rod end jam nut.
8. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
9. Install the J 42129 onto the wheel hub and bearing and secure with wheel nuts.

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 the J 42129, disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing and support the wheel drive shaft.





11. Assemble the J 2619-0 1, the J 29794, and the J 33008-A.
12. Using the J2619-01, the J29794, and the J 33008-A, disengage the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle.
13. Remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
14. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft retaining ring.
^ On the right wheel drive shaft, the retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the inner tripot housing.
^ On the left wheel drive shaft, the retaining ring is on the splined transmission output shaft.

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.
^ On the right wheel drive shaft, the retaining ring is on the splined shaft of the inner tripot housing.
^ On the left wheel drive shaft, the retaining ring is on the splined transmission output shaft.
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.
4.1. Grasp the inner (tripot) housing.
4.2. Pull the inner (tripot) 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 (1) 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.





Important: Ensure that the 2-piece, ramped washer is installed prior to installing the wheel drive shaft nut. The ramped sides of the washer must face each other.

8. Install the 2-piece, ramped washer to the wheel drive shaft spindle.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

9. Install a NEW wheel drive shaft nut (2). Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool (1) through the caliper and into the brake rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
^ Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 260 Nm (192 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the stabilizer shaft link.
11. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
12. Install the engine splash shield.
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.