Front Drive Axle Service
FRONT DRIVE AXLE SERVICEFig. 1 Exploded view of front drive axle assembly:
REMOVAL
1. Loosen both upper strut mount attaching bolts.
2. Remove wheel cover, then loosen wheel lug nuts and remove cotter pin and drive axle shaft-to-hub nut and washer.
3. Raise and support vehicle.
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
5. Remove ball joint retaining clip and stud nut, then separate ball joint from steering knuckle using tool No. J36226 or equivalent. Disregard ``This Side Towards Wheel'' marking on tool. Tool must be turned to opposite position when used on these vehicles.
6. Remove tie rod nut, then separate tie rod from steering knuckle using tool No. J24319-01 or equivalent.
7. Separate drive axle shaft from wheel hub using tool J3666-1 or equivalent.
8. Position a suitable drain pan under transaxle, then remove drive axle from transaxle using tools J36639 and J23907 or equivalents.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Secure axle shaft in a suitable soft-jawed vise.
2. Cut off seal clamps and remove seals, then spread bearing retaining rings, Fig. 1.
3. Mark relationship between shaft and joints for assembly reference, then tap joints off shaft using a plastic mallet.
4. Inspect all components for excessive wear or damage and replace as necessary.
ASSEMBLY
1. Pack joints with suitable grease, then tap joint assemblies into shaft splines until retaining rings are properly seated.
2. Install inner joint on long side of shaft and outer joint on short side of shaft.
3. Install joint seals and with new clamps. Secure clamps using tool No. J22610 or equivalent.
INSTALLATION
1. Install drive axle into transaxle, using care to avoid damaging seal. Pull on outer joint race to ensure it will not come out of transaxle.
2. Install drive axle into knuckle hub bearing.
3. Install steering knuckle onto lower ball joint, then connect tie rod to the knuckle. Torque tie rod nut to 45 ft.lbs and ball joint stud nut to 50 ft.lbs, then tie rod nut cotter pin and stud nut retaining clip.
4. Install drive axle shaft-to-wheel hub washer and nut.
5. Install wheel and tire assembly, then lower vehicle.
6. With weight of vehicle on wheels, torque new drive axle-to-hub nut to 74 ft.lbs, then back off nut and retorque to 15 ft.lbs. Tighten nut an additional 1/4 turn, then install cotter pin. If necessary, loosen nut slightly to align cotter pin holes.
7. Torque upper strut mount attaching nuts to 22 ft.lbs
8. Check transaxle fluid and replenish as needed.