Removal and Installation

Fig. 1 Disengaging axle spline snap ring from differential side gear:

1. Remove wheel cover, cotter pin and driveshaft nut.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel and tire assembly.
3. Drain transaxle oil into suitable container.
4. Using a suitable screwdriver or tire iron, pry inboard joint away from transaxle to disengage axle spline snap ring from differential side gear, Fig. 1. Do not attempt to remove axle shaft at this time.
5. Remove steering knuckle and hub assembly. Refer to Steering and Suspension/Steering/Steering Knuckle/Service and Repair.
6. Remove driveshaft from differential side gear by pulling inboard joint away from transaxle. Do not pull on axle shaft. After axle shaft removal, do not allow axle boots to contact other parts as damage may occur.
7. Reverse procedure to install. Torque driveshaft nut to 137 ft. lbs. and install cotter pin. If cotter pin cannot be installed, driveshaft nut can be tightened up to an additional 1/6 turn.