Special Tools

Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking Caution in the Preface section.




1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the engine splash shield, if necessary.



4. Remove the axle shaft stake nut (1). Discard the nut.
5. Remove the lower ball joint nut (2).




Caution: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

6. Separate the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint using KM-507-C .
7. Remove the tie rod nut.




Caution: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

8. Separate the tie rod end using KM-507-C  (1).



9. Push the drive axle shaft from the wheel hub.

Caution: Refer to Drive Axle Caution in the Preface section.

Note: Place a drain pan below the transaxle to catch the escaping fluid. Cap the transaxle drive opening after the drive axle has been removed to keep the fluid in and any contamination out.

10. Remove the drive axle from the transaxle using KM-460-B  (1).

Note: Do not damage the seals.

1. Clean the hub seal and the transaxle seal.
2. Install the drive axle into the transaxle.
3. Install the wheel hub onto the axle shaft.



4. Mount the steering knuckle onto the lower ball joint.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




5. Install the tie rod into the knuckle/strut.
6. Install the tie rod nut and tighten to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).



7. Install the lower ball joint nut and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).



8. Loosely install a new axle shaft staking nut. Always use a new nut.



9. Install the wheels. Install the nuts. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
10. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
11. Tighten the wheel nuts to 120 N·m (88 lb ft).
12. Tighten the axle shaft staking nut to 300 N·m (221 lb ft).
13. Peen the staking nut with a punch and a hammer until the nut is locked into place on the axle shaft hub.
14. Install the engine splash shields.
15. Refill the transaxle fluid to the proper level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Level Inspection.