Tools Required
J 45859 Axle Remover
Removal Procedure
Important: Observe and accurately reference mark the positions of all driveline components
relative to the propeller shaft prior to disassembly. These components include the
propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flange, inner axle shafts, etc. Reassemble
all components in the exact relationship the components had to one another prior
to disassembly. Follow the specifications, torque values and any measurement made
prior to disassembly in order to maintain the factory system balance of the driveline
components. System balance provides a smoother running driveline operation.
- Unlock the steering column allowing the steering linkage to move freely.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Insert a drift through the brake caliper and into
a brake rotor vane to prevent the wheel drive shaft from turning.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Discard the nut.
- Using the J 45859
or equivalent, press the wheel drive shaft from the hub.
- Remove the drift from the brake rotor.
- Remove the brake hose bracket from the upper
control arm.
- Remove the wheel sensor wire bracket from the
upper control arm.
- Remove the steering knuckle. Refer to
Steering Knuckle Replacement
in Front
Suspension.
It is not necessary to remove the wheel hub assembly from the steering knuckle.
Important: Do not damage the differential carrier assembly axle seals during wheel drive
shaft removal.
- In order to prevent damage to the drive axle CV joint boots, cover the following
components with a shop towel:
• | The shock mounting bracket |
• | The lower control arm ball stud |
- Disconnect the wheel drive shaft from the front
differential carrier assembly by placing a brass drift or block of wood on the tripot
housing and striking the drift with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap
ring pressure holding the drive axle to the differential carrier assembly.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft.
Installation Procedure
Important: Do not lubricate or damage the differential carrier assembly axle seals during
installation.
- In order to prevent damage to the drive axle CV joint boots, cover the following
components with a shop towel:
• | The shock mounting bracket |
• | The lower control arm ball stud |
- Install the wheel drive shaft into the differential carrier assembly
by doing the following:
2.1. | Using both hands, align the splines on the shaft with the differential
housing. |
2.2. | Center the wheel drive shaft into the differential carrier assembly. |
2.3. | Firmly push the shaft straight into the differential carrier assembly
until the retaining rings sits in the differential carrier assembly. |
- Pull back on the tripot housing to ensure that
the retaining ring is properly retaining the wheel drive shaft in the differential
carrier assembly. You should not be able to pull the wheel drive shaft out of the
differential carrier assembly when the retaining ring is properly seated.
- Remove the shop towels.
- Install the steering knuckle. Refer to
Steering Knuckle Replacement
in
Front Suspension.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install the wheel speed sensor bracket to the upper control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the wheel speed sensor bracket nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).
- Install the brake hose bracket to the upper
control arm.
Tighten
Tighten the brake hose bracket nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).
- Insert a drift through the brake caliper and into
a brake rotor vane to prevent the wheel drive shaft from turning.
- Install the new wheel drive shaft nut.
Tighten
Tighten the axle nut to 235 N·m (173 lb ft).
- Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in
Tires and Wheels.
- Check the front axle fluid level and add, if necessary. Use the proper
fluid. Refer to
Front Axle Lubricant Level Inspection
In Front Drive Axle.
- Lower the vehicle.