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Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair



Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Tools Required

* J 45341 Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Removal Tool
* J-2619-A Slide Hammer
* J 44394 Axle Seal Protector
* J 28733-B Wheel Hub Puller

Removal Procedure




1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Insert a brass drift or punch (1) in the brake rotor and rest it against the brace caliper mounting bracket.
4. Using a socket and breaker bar (2), remove the wheel drive shaft retaining nut.




5. Install the J 28733-B, 7208A Hub Remover - OTC, CJ129 Universal Hub Puller - Snap-On, 7394 Universal Hub Puller - OTC, or equivalent, to the wheel bearing/hub assembly and secure with lug nuts.

Important: Ensure the wheel speed sensor wiring harness is repositioned away from the ball joint after disconnecting the electrical connector from the sensor.

6. Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
7. Separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub assembly, then support the shaft assembly.




8. Assemble the J 45341 and the J-2619-A to the wheel drive shaft inner tripot housing assembly.
9. Using the J 45341 and the J-2619-A, separate the wheel drive shaft from the transaxle, then remove the shaft assembly.
10. Inspect the transaxle output shaft seal for damage and/or contamination and replace if necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the J 44394 into the transaxle output shaft seal.




2. Install the wheel drive shaft into the transaxle until the drive shaft splines are past the seal, remove the J 44394, then fully install the drive shaft.
3. Verify that the wheel drive shaft is properly engaged:
- Grasp the inner tripod housing and pull the inner housing outward. Do NOT pull on the wheel drive axle shaft.
- The wheel drive shaft will remain firmly in place when properly engaged.




4. Install the wheel drive shaft (1) to the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
5. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

6. Install the wheel drive shaft nut (3) to the wheel drive shaft assembly (1).

Tighten the nut to 210 N.m (155 lb ft).

7. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.

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