Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

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.

Removal
1. Remove hub nut, then raise and support vehicle and remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Remove brake caliper and rotor assembly.
3. Remove stabilizer link or stabilizer bar from control arm.
4. Remove tie rod end at steering knuckle, then remove lower ball joint stud at steering knuckle.
5. Remove axle from transaxle using a prybar or screwdriver and a wood block as a fulcrum to protect case cover.
6. Drive axle from hub and bearing assembly using drive axle spindle remover tool No. J-28733.
7. Remove axle from vehicle.

Fig. 7 Removing And Installing Axle Shaft Nut:

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

Installation
1. Install drive axle at steering knuckle.
2. Install lower ball joint stud at steering knuckle.
3. Install stabilizer link or stabilizer bar to lower control arm.
4. Install tie rod end at steering knuckle.
5. Install brake caliper, rotor and new caliper mounting bolts.
6. Install new torque prevailing nut and washer.
7. Insert a screwdriver or drift into caliper and rotor to prevent rotor from turning, then install hub nut and torque to 183 ft .lbs., Fig. 7.
8. Seat the 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.
9. Install the front wheel and tire assembly and lower vehicle.