Left Side Axle Seal Replacement

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.

REMOVAL
1. Position vehicle on hoist.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Remove left front wheel.
4. Drain transaxle fluid.





5. Remove cotter pin from lower ball joint and discard. Loosen nut and back off until top of nut is even with top of threads.





NOTICE: On ABS equipped vehicles, the cuter CV joint has a speed sensor ring. Using the incorrect tool or procedure to separate the control arm from the knuckle can damage the ring, resulting in loss of ABS operation.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to separate joint using a wedge type tool because the seal may be damaged.

6. Separate ball joint from steering knuckle using SA9132S and remove nut.





7. Remove left inner splash shield.
8. Separate axle from transaxle using a large screw driver or appropriate pry bar and tie-up shaft with safety wire.





9. Remove the snap ring retaining the axle seal.
10. Remove axle seal using SA9133T.
a. Remove dust cover by prying out with a screw driver.
b. Remove seal by threading puller through steel portion of the seal body as close to outside diameter as possible.





INSTALLATION
1. Clean seal bore in housing.
2. Apply a light bead of Loctite(R) 515 Gasket Eliminator sealant (P/N 21005993) or equivalent on the diameter of the seal that presses into the case bore.





NOTICE: Prior to using seal installer SA9113T inspect the tool for any nicks or burrs that may damage the seal lip.

3. Install axle seal using SA9113T. Place seal on tool and insert in transaxle. Make sure to keep seal lined up with bore during installation.
4. Install the snap ring retaining the axle seal.

NOTICE: Use caution not to damage seal while installing axle into transaxle.

5. Install axle seal protector tool SA91112T inside seal.
6. Install axle into transaxle.
7. After splines clear the seal protector but before snapping axle into place remove seal protector tool.
8. Push axle all the way into transaxle.





NOTICE: Take care not to tear rubber boot when installing ball joint to knuckle.

9. Clean and lubricate ball joint threads.
10. Position ball joint into steering knuckle.
11. Install nut to lower ball joint and torque.
- Torque: 75 N.m (55 ft lbs).

IMPORTANT: After torquing, if necessary, tighten nut additionally to align slot in nut with cotter pin hole in ball joint, and install cotter pin and bend ends.

12. Install left splash shield.





NOTICE: Before installing wheels remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel lug nuts to loosen in service.

13. Position wheel onto hub.
14. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern.
- Torque: 140 N.m (103 ft lbs).
Repeat tightening pattern to be sure torque is correct.
15. Install drain plug.
- Torque: 30 N.m (22 ft. lbs.).

IMPORTANT: Clean and lubricate fastener with Transaxle Fluid. Wipe off excess fluid and install.

16. Fill transaxle to proper level using Transaxle Fluid. Verify fluid level using the "Transaxle Fluid Level Check Procedure."
- 3.8L (4.0 Qt.)-Fluid change only
- 4.0L (4.2 Qt.)-Fluid change with a new pressure filter