Front Axle Shaft Service

REMOVAL

Fig. 1 Detaching Snap Ring From Differential Side Gear:

1. Raise and support vehicle, then drain transaxle oil.
2. Remove locking hub, then driveshaft circlip.
3. Remove stabilizer ball joint nut, then tie rod castle nut.
4. Remove caliper bolt, then caliper from disc.
5. Remove knuckle ball joint stud nut, then support lower arm with suitable jack.
6. Remove strut bracket bolts.
7. Remove knuckle and wheel hub assembly, by lowering jack.
8. On right side, to detach snap ring fitted on spline of differential side joint from differential side gear, pull inboard joint using a tire lever, Fig. 1. Remove driveshaft from differential assembly.
9. On left side, disconnect driveshaft bolts, then remove driveshaft from differential assembly.

DISASSEMBLY

Fig. 2 Cross-sectional View Of Driveshaft Assembly:

Fig. 3 Exploded View Of Front Axle Assembly:

Fig. 4 Removing Circlip From Ball Joint:

Only the double off-set joints are serviceable, Fig. 2. Do not disassembly wheel side joint or ball joint of differential side joint, Fig. 3. If any problem exists, replace these joints as an assembly.

1. Remove boot band from differential side joint.
2. Remove circlip, then housing of differential side joint.
3. Remove circlip (snap ring) then ball joint, Fig. 4.
4. Remove inside and outside boots from shaft.

ASSEMBLY

1. Apply joint grease, supplied in repair kit, to wheel side joint.
2. Fit wheel side boot on shaft. Fill inside of boot with joint grease, then install boot bands.
3. Fit differential side boot on shaft. Apply joint grease, supplied in repair kit, to differential side joint.
4. Install differential side ball joint on shaft. Face flush side of joint to wheel side joint. Fit snap ring in groove of shaft.
5. Fill inside of differential side boot with joint grease, then install housing.
6. Attach boot to housing using boot band. When clamping boot band, bend its end in reverse direction against driveshaft rotating direction.

INSTALLATION

- Reverse removal procedure to install.