Contents: Removal ⬇ Installation ⬇
Note: If both drive shafts have been removed, do not move the vehicle or the front wheel bearings may be damaged. If it is absolutely necessary to move the vehicle, temporarily install the drive shafts and tighten their nuts, or preload the bearings by pressing the inner bearing race against the hub with a bolt, nut and washers. Before removing the drive shafts, be sure to obtain internal drive shaft snap rings and nuts, as well as any other parts that may need replacing.
Removal
1. Without jacking up the car, apply the handbrake and select first gear or reverse.
2. Remove the center cap of the wheel. Bend back the locking rim of the drive shaft nut using a hammer and punch (see photo) or (if necessary) electric drill. Using a suitable socket and a strong extension rod, loosen the nut, but do not remove it yet. If the nut is too tight, have an assistant press the brake pedal.
3. Loosen the wheel bolts, then jack up the front of the car and secure it on axle stands. Remove the wheel, then unscrew the drive shaft nut. The nut must be replaced after each removal.
4. Drain the transmission oil (see Section 1).
5. Open the hood and loosen the two upper suspension strut mounting nuts by one or two turns.
6. Disconnect the ball joint of the tie rod from the steering knuckle arm (see Section 10).
7. After removing the pinch bolt, disconnect the ball joint of the lower suspension arm from the steering knuckle (Section 10).
8. Pull the steering knuckle sharply toward you to remove it from the drive shaft grooves. You may need to tap the drive shaft out of the hub with a mallet, after installing the old drive shaft nut to protect its threads (see photo). Be careful not to stretch or kink the brake hose.
9. Move the strut assembly, together with the steering knuckle and brake caliper, away from the end of the drive shaft and tie them to the body.
10. Using a suitable lever, push the drive shaft away from the transmission until the snap ring is compressed in its groove and clear of the differential pinion gear (see photo). Be careful not to damage the metal flange on the inner end of the inner CV joint.
11. Remove the drive shaft assembly. If both drive shafts are to be removed, block the differential side gear by inserting a clean metal rod or wooden dowel approximately 24 mm in diameter into the transmission (see photo). Discard the snap ring fitted to the inner end of the drive shaft - it must be replaced after each removal.
Installation
12. Thoroughly clean the drive shaft and the openings in the transmission and steering knuckle to prevent dirt from entering these components. Apply a thin film of grease to the sealing lips of the oil seal and the grooves and shoulders of the drive shaft. Make sure that all boot clamps are securely fastened.
13. Install a new snap ring on the inner end of each drive shaft, making sure the rings are seated in their grooves (see photo). Remove the differential side gear locking pin.
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14. Being careful not to damage the sealing lips of the oil seal, insert the drive shaft into the transmission and align its grooves with the grooves of the differential side gear. Firmly push the drive shaft into place until the retaining ring snaps behind the side gear. If necessary, use tools to drive the drive shaft into position, being very careful not to damage the rubber boot (see photo).
15. Make sure the shaft is securely held by the retaining ring. To do this, grasp the CV joint housing and try to pull the drive shaft out of the differential axle gear.
16. Install the drive shaft into the steering knuckle assembly (see photo) and screw on a new shaft mounting nut.
17. Install the lower suspension arm ball joint into the steering knuckle, insert the tie bolt and tighten the bolt nut to the specified tightening torque Specifications.
18. Connect the ball joint of the transverse steering rod to the steering knuckle arm, tighten the joint nut with the tightening force specified Specifications, and install a new cotter pin (see Section 10).
19. Install the wheel.
20. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the drive shaft nut and wheel bolts to the specified tightening torque Specifications. Using a hammer and punch, secure the drive shaft nut by driving its locking rim into the groove of the shaft (see photo).
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21. Install the wheel center cap; where necessary, do not forget to tighten the remaining wheel bolts to the specified tightening torque Specifications.
22. Fill the transmission with oil (see Section 1).