Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

FRONT DRIVE AXLE

On models equipped with tri-pot joints on inboard axles, care must be taken not to overextend joints. When either or both ends are disconnected, overextending the tri-pot joint could result in internal joint separation.
On vehicles equipped with ball type constant velocity inboard joints, install inner drive joint seal protector J-34754, on inboard seal and install axle boot protector J-28712 on outboard seal if necessary. On vehicles equipped with tri-pot inboard joints, install axle boot seal protector J-28712 on outboard seal and J-33162 on inboard seal, if necessary.

Fig. 7 Removing And Installing Axle Shaft Nut:

Removal

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
3. Install drive axle seal protector J-34754 on outer joint.
4. Insert a screwdriver or drift into caliper and rotor to prevent rotor from turning and remove hub nut and washer, Fig. 7.
5. Remove lower ball joint cotter pin and nut, then loosen joint using tool No. J-29330. If right axle is being removed, turn wheel to left, if left axle is being removed, turn wheel to right.
6. Insert a prybar between suspension support and lower control arm and separate joint.
7. Disengage axle from hub and bearing using tool No. J-28733-A.
8. Separate hub and bearing assembly from drive axle and move strut and knuckle assembly rearward.
9. Remove inner joint from transaxle or intermediate shaft (if equipped) using tool No. J-28468 or J-33008 attached to J-29794 and J-2619-01.
10. Remove drive axle from vehicle.

Installation

Fig. 2 Front Wheel Drive Components And Axle Shaft Installation. (Typical):

1. Install seal protector No. J-37292-B into transaxle.
2. Install drive axle into the transaxle by placing a screwdriver into the groove on the joint housing and tapping until seated, then grasp the inner housing and pull outward. If the snap ring is properly seated, the axle will remain in place, Fig. 2.
3. Lubricate inside diameter of seal lips and completely fill cavity between hub and bearing assembly and seal with chassis grease.
4. Install drive axle into hub and bearing assembly and lower ball joint to knuckle.
5. Torque ball joint to steering knuckle nut to 41-50 lb ft
6. Insert a screwdriver or drift into caliper and rotor to prevent rotor from turning and install hub nut and washer, Fig. 7.
7. Torque hub nut to 185 lb ft
8. Remove both seal protectors and install wheel and tire assembly.
9. Lower vehicle and connect battery ground cable.