Kia Optima DL3 Quiz
Drive Shaft and Axle

Front Axle Assembly

In this manual: Drive Shaft and Axle
General Information — 8Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) — 21Maintenance — 27Engine Mechanical System — 45Engine Electrical System — 11Emission Control System — 11Engine Control System/Fuel System — 25Automatic Transmission — 20Drive Shaft and Axle — 7Suspension System — 22Steering — 7Restraints — 11Brake System — 22Body (Interior and Exterior) — 116Body Electrical System — 90Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 32
20steps
~130min
5/5difficulty
2special tools
04080120160200117.787N·mlb·ft
Tightening torque found on this page
Done 0 of 20

Components and Component Location

Components

1. Front Brake Disc
2. Front Hub Assembly
3. Dust cover
4. Front knuckle

Repair Procedures

Removal

  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.

  2. Remove the front wheel and tire.

    (See Suspension System — Wheel)

  3. Disconnect the tie rod end ball joint from the steering knuckle using SST (09568-2J100).

    1. Remove the cotter pin (C).

    2. Remove the castle nut (B) and washer (A).

      Tightening torque: 98.1 - 118 N·m

    3. Disconnect the tie rod end ball joint from the steering knuckle using SST (09568-2J100).

  4. Loosen the lower arm mounting nut (A).

    1. Remove the stop pin (A).

    2. Remove the lower arm mounting nut (B) and washer (C).

      Tightening torque: 98.1 - 118 N·m

  5. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the steering knuckle using SST (0K545-A9100).

    1. After removing the bolts from the front steering knuckle, install and tighten the body bolt (A) at the bottom.

    2. Insert the auxiliary body (B) between the front knuckle and the auxiliary body bolt.

    3. Tighten the auxiliary body bolt (C) to increase the clearance of the front joint.

    4. Install the safety wire and the main body (A) between the front strut and the lower arm.

    5. After installing the body (A), turn the handle (B) clockwise to secure it to the lower arm with the clamp.

    6. Slowly tighten the main body bolt (A) and separate the lower arm from the front joint.

  6. Unstake the drive shaft hub nut lock by tapping a chisel with a hammer.

  7. Remove the staked nut (A) from the front axle.

    Tightening torque: 294.2–314 N·m

  8. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the axle hub using SST (09517-4E000).

  9. Remove the front brake caliper assembly.

    (Refer to Brake System - "Front Brake Caliper")

  10. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor (A) after loosening the bolt.

    Tightening torque: 6.9–10.8 N·m

  11. Remove the front axle (A) after loosening the front strut bolts and nuts.

    Tightening torque: 196.1–216 N·m

Installation

  1. Install in the reverse order of removal.

  2. Inspect the front wheel alignment.

    (See Suspension System - Alignment)

Disassembly

  1. Remove the front brake disc (A) after loosening the screws.

    Tightening torque:

    4.9–5.9 N·m (0.5–0.6 kgf·m, 3.6–4.3 ft·lbf, 43.4–52.1 in·lbf)

  2. Loosen the hub bearing mounting bolts.

    Tightening torque: 127.5–147 N·m

  3. Remove the dust cover (A) from the steering knuckle.

    Tightening torque: 6.9–10.8 N·m

Installation

  1. Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

Inspection

  1. Check the hub for cracks and worn splines.

  2. Check the brake disc for scratches and damage.

  3. Check the joint for cracks.

  4. Check the bearing for cracks or damage.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.