Tools Required

1. Raise the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.



4. Insert a drift or punch (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

Important: The front wheel drive axle nut must not be reused. Replace the front wheel drive axle nut with a NEW nut whenever it is removed.

5. Remove and discard the front wheel drive axle nut (2).
6. Disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.



7. Disconnect the axle from the hub (2) using the J 28733-B .
8. Move the strut and knuckle rearward.




Notice: Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.

9. Use the J 33008-A  (4) and the J 2619-01  (3) to disengage the drive axle (1) from the transaxle.
10. Remove the drive axle (1) from the vehicle.

1. Inspect the tripot housing at the transmission seal surface for corrosion, if corrosion is present, sand the surface in a rotational motion around the sealing surface with 320 grit emery cloth until smooth.
2. Lubricate the tripot housing surface with clean transmission fluid.
3. Push the axle into the transaxle (1).
4. Verify that the drive axle is seated by grasping the inner joint housing and pulling. Do not pull on the drive axle shaft.
5. Install the drive axle into the hub and bearing.
6. Connect the ball joint to the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
7. Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.




Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

8. Install a NEW front wheel drive axle nut (2).

Tighten
Tighten the front wheel drive axle nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

9. Install the stabilizer shaft link assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
11. Lower the vehicle.