Drive Axle Installation
- TOOLS REQUIRED- SA9112T Axle Seal Protector
- J44015 Steering Linkage Installer
- SA9140E Torque Angle Gauge
NOTICE: When inserting drive axle into transaxle, be careful not to contact oil seal with drive axle splines. The splines can damage the oil seal.
1. For left side drive axle, install Transaxle Seal Protector SA91112T (or equivalent).
2. Insert drive axle into transaxle.
3. After drive axle splines have safely passed the transaxle oil seal, remove seal protector and fully seat drive axle into transaxle.
4. For right side drive axle, insert inner end of drive axle onto the outer end of the intermediate drive shaft and push axle firmly to engage axle retaining ring.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the CV joint boots, be careful not to allow them to contact other parts during the removal/installation process. Also, never pull on the shaft assembly.
5. Insert outer end of drive axle into the wheel hub. Do not install drive axle-to-hub washer or nut at this time.
NOTICE: Be careful not to allow steering knuckle to contact the ball stud seal. Contact may cause the seal to rip, requiring control arm replacement.
6. Install lower control arm ball stud into steering knuckle. Install ball stud castle nut.
IMPORTANT: Do not tighten fastener at this time.
IMPORTANT: The rod end threads must be thoroughly cleaned before installing and tightening new nut.
7. Install tie rod end into steering knuckle.
8. Using linkage installer J-44015 (or equivalent) seat tie rod end into knuckle.
Torque: 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.)
NOTICE: Use new nut, torque retention of old nut may not be sufficient.
9. Remove linkage installer and install new tie rod end nut.
Torque: 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.)
IMPORTANT: Lower control arm ball stud threads should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated before installing and tightening nut.
10. Tighten ball joint stud castle nut.
Torque: 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.)
IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to rotate the castle nut after tightening to align with the hole in the stud, always tighten the nut to align it; never loosen it. Install new cotter pin.
11. Install axle-to-hub washer and new nut.
Torque: 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.)
IMPORTANT: When tightening axle nut, have an assistant depress brake pedal to prevent axle rotation.
12. If vehicle is equipped with ABS, check ABS wheel speed sensor signal for proper operation.
IMPORTANT: For left side, install rear section of shield first, then front. For right side, install front section of shield first, then rear.
13. Install side splash shield.
IMPORTANT: Make sure shield flaps are tucked in at body locations.
14. Install tabs in body cut-out.
15. Align molded-in shield fasteners with holes in cradle. Push straight in to install.
16. Install push pins.
NOTICE: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.
17. Position wheel onto hub.
18. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.
Torque: 140 Nm (103 ft. lbs.)
19. Lower vehicle from hoist.
20. Fill transaxle to correct level with proper lubricant.
21. Connect negative battery cable terminal to battery.
Torque: 17 Nm (13 ft. lbs.)