Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure
^ Tools Required
- J 2619-01 Slide Hammer
- J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover
- J 29794 Extension
- J 33008 Axle Shaft Remover





Notice: Wheel drive shaft boots, seals and clamps should be protected from sharp objects any time service is performed on or near the wheel drive shaft(s). Damage to the boot(s), the seal(s) or the clamp(s) may cause lubricant to leak from the joint and lead to increased noise and possible failure of the wheel drive shaft.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
4. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Steering and Suspension.
5. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
6. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool through the brake caliper hole and into the brake rotor in order to prevent the rotor from rotating.
7. Remove the drive axle nut (3).





8. Use the J 28733-B in order to remove the drive axle from the wheel bearing/hub.





9. Use the J33003, the J29794 and the J2619-01 in order to remove the right drive axle from the transaxle.
10. Insert a large, flat-bladed tool between the left side lower control arm and the frame.
11. Insert the tip (end) of the flat-bladed tool into the groove on the drive axle tripot joint.
12. Use the flat-bladed tool in order to pry the left drive axle from the transaxle.





Notice: Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.

13. Remove the left drive axle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the left drive axle.
2. Ensure that the drive axle is installed properly.
2.1. Push the drive axle into the transaxle until it snaps in place.
2.2. Grasp the tripot (inner) joint housing.
2.3. Pull on the tripot (inner) joint housing in order to verify that the retaining ring is engaged. Do NOT pull on the drive axle shaft.





3. Install the right drive axle.
4. Ensure that the drive axle is installed properly.
4.1. Push the drive axle into the transaxle until it snaps in place.
4.2. Grasp the tripot (inner) joint housing.
4.3. Pull on the tripot (inner) joint housing in order to verify that the retaining ring is engaged. Do NOT pull on the drive axle shaft.





5. Install the drive axle (1) into the wheel bearing.
6. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool through the brake caliper hole and into the brake rotor in order to prevent the rotor from rotating.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Install the NEW drive axle nut (3).
^ Tighten the nut to 160 Nm (118 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
9. Install the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer in Steering and Suspension.
10. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
11. Install the tire and wheel.
12. Lower the vehicle.