Tools Required

Important: Prevent the seals (boots) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the seals (boots).

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.



3. Using a punch and a hammer, unstake the staked part of the lock nut.
4. Remove the drive shaft lock nut.
5. Remove the wheel speed sensor wire and brake hose retainer from the strut assembly.



6. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle.
7. Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
8. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

Caution: Do not attempt to move vehicle with drive axle(s) removed from wheel bearing. Wheel(s) could fall off, dropping vehicle to the ground and causing personal injury or damage to the vehicle.

9. Using a plastic hammer, disengage the wheel drive shaft from the wheel hub and bearing and support the wheel drive shaft.
10. Using J-46009 and J 2619-01 remove the left side axle shaft from the transaxle.

Important:  On AWD models, the transfer case and transaxle must be drained before removing the right hand drive shaft. If the right hand drive shaft is removed without draining the fluids, the fluids will mix and contaminate both components.

11. Drain the transaxle and transfer case.
12. Using J-46009 and J 2619-01 remove the right side axle shaft from the transaxle.



13. On AWD models, remove the bearing lock bolt (1).
14. Using pliers in order to remove the snap ring (2) and drive shaft from the vehicle.
15. Remove the right hand wheel drive shaft from the vehicle.
16. Remove and discard the wheel drive shaft retaining ring.

Important: Prevent the boots (seals) from contacting the other components in order to prevent damage to the boots (seals).

1. Install a new wheel drive shaft retaining ring.



2. On AWD models, set the snap ring (2) on the right hand drive shaft with the opening facing downward.
3. Install the wheel drive shaft to the transaxle.
4. Push the wheel drive shaft into transaxle until the retaining ring is fully seated.
5. Verify that the wheel drive shaft retaining ring is properly seated.

5.1.	Grasp the inner (tripod) housing.

5.2.	Pull the inner (tripod) housing outboard. Do not pull on the wheel drive shaft bar.

The wheel drive shaft will remain in place when the retaining ring is properly seated.

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.

6. On AWD models, install the bearing lock bolt (1).

Tighten
Tighten the bearing lock bolt to 32 N·m (24 lb ft).

7. Install the wheel drive shaft to the wheel hub and bearing.
8. Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
9. Connect the outer tie rod end assembly to the steering knuckle.



10. Install a NEW wheel drive shaft nut. Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool through the caliper and into the brake rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

Tighten
Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut to 216 N·m (159 lb ft).

11. Using a punch and hammer, stake the locknut.
12. Install the wheel speed sensor.

Tighten
Tighten the wheel speed sensor retaining bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
14. On AWD models, inspect the transfer case fluid level.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.