Left Side Axle Seal

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 IRE 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 outer 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 a loss of ABS operation.

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

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





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

7. Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle.
a. Remove cotter pin and discard.
b. Remove nut.
c. Separate tie rod end from knuckle using tie rod end separating tool SA91100C.





8. Remove left inner splash shield.
9. Separate axle from transaxle using a large screwdriver or appropriate pry bar.





10. Remove the snap ring retaining the axle seal.
11. Remove axle seal using SA91331:
a. Remove dust cover by prying out with a screwdriver.
b. Remove seal by threading puller through steel 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 into transaxle. Make sure to keep seal lined up with bore during installation. (Automatic shown, manual transaxle similar.)
4. Install the snap ring retaining the axle seal so that the snap ring opening is easily accessible.





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

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





NOTICE: Take care not to damage 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.).
If necessary, after torquing, tighten nut additionally to align slot in nut with cotter pin hole in ball joint, and install a new cotter pin, and bend.
12. Clean and lubricate threads on tie rod end.
13. Position tie rod end into steering knuckle.
14. Install nut to tie rod end and torque.
- Torque: 45 N.m (33 ft. lbs.).

If necessary, after torquing, tighten nut additionally to align slot in nut with cotter pin hole in tie rod end, and install a new cotter pin, and bend.





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

15. Position wheel onto hub.
16. Install wheel nuts and torque in a crisscross pattern.
- Torque: 140 N.m (103 ft. lbs.).
Repeat torquing procedure to make sure torque is correct.





17. Install drain plug.
- Torque: 30 N.m (22 ft. lbs.).

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

18. Fill transaxle to proper level using Transaxle Fluid.
- 2.5L (2.6 US qt.).
19. Check for proper fluid level using "Transaxle Fluid Level Checking Procedure."