Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

3. Remove the engine protection shield.

4. Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the retainers.

5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor from the harness.

6. Remove the retaining bolt for the front brake hose.

7. Remove the front stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm.

8. Remove the upper shock module retaining from the shock tower.

9. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.

10. Remove the left and right upper ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
11. Remove the shock module from the shock tower.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the upper control arm.
13. Remove the front wheel drive axle from the steering knuckle.

14. Using mechanics wire or hook, support the front shock module/steering knuckle to the frame.

15. Disconnect the left side wheel drive shaft from the differential carrier assembly by placing a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the brass drift outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.

16. Disconnect the right side wheel drive shaft from the clutch fork housing assembly by placing a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the brass drift outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.
17. Pull the wheel drive shaft straight out from the differential carrier assembly or the clutch fork housing assembly.
18. Remove the wheel drive shaft.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the front wheel drive axle front differential assembly,
2. Remove the mechanics wire or hook from the front shock module/steering
3. Install the front wheel drive axle in the steering knuckle.
4. Position the shock module in the shock tower.
5. Install the shock module into the shock tower
6. Install the upper ball joint in the upper control arm.

7. Install the pinch bolt and nut. For the proper torque specification, refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.

8. Install the shock module retaining nuts. For the proper torque specification, refer to Shock Module Replacement.
9. Install the front wheel drive shaft retaining.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.