W/Four Wheel Drive

Fig. 1 Wheel Bearing Support Tool Installation:

CAUTION: Do not apply vehicle load to the wheel bearing after removal of the driveshaft. If a load must be applied to the bearing in moving the vehicle, temporarily secure with special tool No. MB990998 or equivalent.

1. Remove center cap and drive axle nut.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel.
3. Disconnect lower arm ball joint and knuckle coupling, then remove strut bar and stabilizer bar from lower arm.

Fig. 4 Driveshaft Removal, 90-91 Colt Wagon And Colt Vista:

Fig. 5 Driveshaft Removal, `92 Colt Vista & Summit Wagon:

4. Remove driveshaft in numbered sequence shown, noting the following:
a. When removing LH driveshaft, remove center bearing snap ring from bearing bracket.
b. Lightly tap double offset joint outer race with a wooden hammer and disconnect drive axle from cardan joint assembly.
c. Disconnect drive axle from bearing bracket.
d. On both driveshafts, press drive axle from hub using axle shaft puller tool No. MB990241 or equivalent.
CAUTION: When pressing drive axle from hub, use care to prevent the spacer from moving out of position.

Removing Driveshaft Inner Joint:

e. When removing RH driveshaft, use two screwdrivers as shown.

Fig. 29 Driveshaft Removal From Transaxle Case:

f. When removing LH driveshaft, insert a suitable pry bar between transaxle case and outer case of double offset joint, then withdraw drive axle. Cover drive axle opening in transaxle. When removing drive axle, support at tripod or double offset joint and pull shaft straight out, to prevent damage to boot or joint. After disconnection drive axle from transaxle, support shaft in proper position.
CAUTION: Pry bar should not be inserted more than 0.28 inches between transaxle case and outer case of offset joint, as damage to oil seal may result. The double offset joint retainer ring should be replaced whenever the drive axle is removed from transaxle case.
g. On both driveshafts, remove bearing bracket attaching bolts, then the bearing bracket.
h. Lightly tap yoke of cardan joint with a wooden hammer and remove it from transaxle assembly.
5. Reverse procedure to install. Torque bearing bracket bolts to 29-39 lb-ft, and drive axle nut to 145-188 lb-ft.