Removal Procedure
Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the
opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.
- Raise and support the vehicle.
- Insert a screw driver or drift (3) in the brake rotor (1).
- Rotate the wheel drive shaft until the screw driver or drift (3) is resting against the brake caliper (2).
Note: DO NOT reuse the wheel drive shaft nut. Replace with new.
- Using a breaker bar and the proper size socket (4), loosen the wheel driver shaft nut.
- Remove the wheel drive shaft nut (1) and the washer (2).
- Remove the steering knuckle assembly from the vehicle. Refer to
Steering Knuckle Replacement.
Note: When removing the wheel drive shaft from the differential housing, place the brass drift on the tripod housing.
- Using a hammer and a brass drift, remove the wheel drive shaft from the differential housing.
Installation Procedure
Note: When installing the front wheel drive shaft, a snap or pop should be heard and felt when the front wheel drive shaft is properly seated in the differential case.
- Install the front wheel drive shaft in the front differential.
- Install the steering knuckle assembly. Refer to
Steering Knuckle Replacement.
- Install the NEW wheel drive shaft nut (1) and the washer (2).
- Insert a screwdriver or drift (2) in the brake rotor (1).
- Rotate the brake rotor (1) until the screwdriver or drift (2) rest against the brake caliper (3).
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.
- Using a torque wrench and the proper size socket (4), tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to
260 N·m 191 lb ft).
- Check the fluid level of the front differential. Add fluid if necessary. Refer to
Front Axle Lubricant Replacement.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
- Remove the support and lower the vehicle.