Removal and Installation - Axle Shaft

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

	204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Installer, Axle Shaft TKIT-1997-LM2 TKIT-1997-F/FM2 TKIT-1997-FLM2
	205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Remover, Front Wheel Hub Puller, Front Wheel Hub

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. 1
   Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
2. 2
   1. Remove the pin-type retainer.

   2. Remove the bolts and the radiator air deflector.

   3. Remove the bolts.

   4. Remove the retainers and the lower engine splash shield.

   

3. 3
   Remove the wheel speed sensor bolt from the steering knuckle and set it aside.

   

4. 4
   Remove the bolt and set the front brake hose aside.

   

5. 5
   Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.

   

6. 6
   1. Remove and discard the lower strut-to-steering knuckle nuts and bolts.

   2. Separate the steering knuckle from the front strut and spring assembly.

   

7. 7
   Install the special service tool and press the axle shaft out of the front wheel bearing and wheel hub.
   Use the recommended tool: 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Puller, Front Wheel Hub. The tool shown or a commercially available equivalent may be used.

   

8. 8
   Remove the axle shaft.

   

9. 9
   1. Remove and discard the axle shaft retaining ring.

   2. Remove and discard the O-ring.

   

10. 10
    Remove and discard the axle shaft retaining ring.

    

11. 11
    Remove and install a new right axle shaft seal.
    REFER TO: Axle Shaft Seal (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, Removal and Installation).

Installation

NOTICE: Check the spline engagement by checking for spline play before installing the axle shaft nut, or component damage may occur.

1. 1
   Clean and inspect the outer CV housing at the indicated locations.

   

2. 2
   Clean and inspect the inner CV housing at the indicated locations.

   

3. 3
   1. Install and lubricate the O-ring.
      REFER TO: Specifications (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, Specifications).

   2. Install a new axle shaft retaining ring.

   

4. 4
   Install a new axle shaft retaining ring.

   

5. 5
   Insert the halfshaft until the halfshaft retainer clip is fully seated.

   

6. 6
   Using the special service tool, insert the axle shaft into the front wheel bearing and wheel hub.
   Use the recommended tool: 204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Installer, Axle Shaft, and 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Puller, Front Wheel Hub. The tool shown or a commercially available equivalent may be used.

   

7. 7
   1. Install the steering knuckle into the front strut and spring assembly.

   2. Install the new lower strut-to-steering knuckle nuts and bolts.
      Torque: 166 lb-ft (225 N·m)

   

8. 8

   NOTICE: Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Damage to the wheel bearing will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded by the weight of the vehicle.

   NOTICE: Install and tighten a new wheel hub nut to specification in one continuous motion. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or tightening out of specification, as continuous rotation or component damage may occur.

   With an assistant applying the brake, install a new wheel hub nut.
   Torque: 221 lb-ft (300 N·m)

   

9. 9
   Install the wheel speed sensor and tighten the bolt.
   Torque: 106 lb-in (12 N·m)

   

10. 10
    Install the front brake hose and tighten the bolt.
    Torque: 133 lb-in (15 N·m)

    

11. 11
    If the right axle shaft was removed.
    Check the front differential fluid level.
    REFER TO: Differential Fluid Level Check (205-03 Front Drive Axle/Differential, General Procedures).
12. 12
    1. Install the lower engine shield and install the pin retainer.

    2. Install the bolts.
       Torque: 22 lb-in (2.5 N·m)

    3. Install the radiator deflector and tighten the bolts.
       Torque: 22 lb-in (2.5 N·m)

    4. Install the radiator air deflector retainers.

    

13. 13
    Install the wheel and tire.
    Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
14. 14
    If the lower strut-to-steering knuckle bolts without splines were installed, adjust the front camber.
    REFER TO: Front Camber and Caster Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).