Removal

PROCEDURE

1. Raise the vehicle, support it on stands, and remove the front wheel.
2. Remove the nut securing the drive shaft to the front wheel hub.

When loosening the drive shaft hub nut, depress the brake pedal to prevent the wheel and drive shaft from rotating.

3. Drain the transaxle fluid from the transaxle.

4. Using a plastic hammer, drive the drive shaft out of the front wheel hub. If the drive shaft is tight in the hub, spray penetrating solvent on the spline area, then reinstall the staked nut flush with the end of the shaft. Strike the nut with a brass hammer to drive the drive shaft out of the hub.
5. Pivot the steering knuckle outward and remove the drive shaft from the front wheel hub.

6. Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint of the drive shaft and the transaxle, and tap the pry bar lightly to remove the drive shaft from the transaxle.

Rest the pry bar against the transaxle case ribs.
Do not insert the pry bar too deeply to avoid damaging the oil seal.

Do not pull on the drive shaft, as this will damage the constant velocity joints.

7. Remove the drive shaft from the transaxle.

Install special plugs in place of the drive shafts to prevent dirt from entering the transaxle.

Replace the differential oil seal every time the drive shaft is removed.