Remove and Install

Fig. 2 Drive Shaft Nut & Washer Removal.:

Fig. 3 Lower Ball Joint Separation.:

Fig. 4 Outer Tie Rod End Separation.:

Fig. 5 Lower Ball Joint Separation From Steering Knuckle.:

REMOVAL
1. Depress brake pedal and loosen drive axle nut.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel and tire assembly and front inner splash shield. If left drive axle or intermediate shaft is being removed, drain fluid from transaxle.
3. Remove drive axle nut and washer, Fig. 2 .
4. Remove and discard lower control arm to steering knuckle cotter pin.
5. Loosen lower control arm to steering knuckle castle nut to the point where top of castle nut is even with top of ball stud. Do not remove castle nut at this time.
6. Separate lower control arm from steering knuckle, using removal tool No. SA9132S, or equivalent, Fig. 3. Do not use a wedge type tool to separate joint.
7. Remove and discard outer tie rod cotter pin, then remove tie rod end castle nut.
8. Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle, using removal tool No. SA91100C, or equivalent, Fig. 4 . Do not use a wedge type tool to separate joint.
9. Remove lower control arm to steering knuckle castle nut.
10. Position a long pry bar at the proper cradle and tension strut locations, then pull down on pry bar, separating lower control arm ball stud from steering knuckle, Fig. 5 . Pull steering knuckle away from ball stud.
11. While pulling knuckle/strut assembly away from vehicle, pull outer end of drive axle out of wheel hub. If difficulty is encountered separating axle from hub, tap on end of drive axle shaft using a block of wood and a hammer Fig. 6.
12. Support or suspend drive axle assembly with mechanics wire, Fig. 7.
13. When removing right side drive axle, remove drive axle from intermediate shaft by tapping axle at correct location with a hammer, using a block of wood between hammer and drive axle, Fig. 8. Separate drive axle from intermediate shaft and remove from vehicle.
14. When removing left side drive axle, remove drive axle by inserting a large screwdriver at correct location and prying axle out of transaxle, Fig. 9.When inserting screwdriver between transaxle and drive axle, do not contact transaxle oil seal. Remove drive axle from vehicle.

Fig. 6 Axle Separation From Hub.:

Fig. 7 Drive Axle Assembly Support.:

Fig. 8 Right Drive Axle Removal From Intermediate Shaft.:

Fig. 9 Left Drive Axle Removal From Transaxle.:

Fig. 10 Transaxle Seal Projector Installed In Transaxle.:

INSTALLATION
1. When installing left side drive axle, install transaxle seal protector tool No. SA91112T, or equivalent, into transaxle, Fig. 10.
2. After drive axle splines have safely passed transaxle oil seal, remove seal protector and fully seat drive axle into transaxle.
3. When installing right side drive axle, insert inner end of drive axle onto outer end of intermediate driveshaft and push firmly to engage axle retaining ring.
4. When installing both drive axles, insert outer end or drive axle into wheel hub. Do not install drive axle to hub washer or nut at this time.
5. Install lower control arm ball stud into steering knuckle. Install ball stud castle nut but do not tighten at this time.
6. Install tie rod end to steering knuckle with castle nut and new cotter pin. Torque castle nut to 33 lb ft
7. Torque ball joint stud castle nut to 55 lb ft and install new cotter pin.
8. Install new axle to hub washer and nut. Torque axle nut to 145 lb ft
9. Install front inner fender splash shield.
10. Remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors and drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel lug nuts to loosen in service.
11. Position wheel onto hub and install wheel nuts. Torque nuts in a crossing pattern to 103 lb ft
12. Lower vehicle from hoist and fill transaxle to correct level with proper lubricant, if necessary.
13. Connect battery ground cable.