Special Tools

Note: 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.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.



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.

Warning: 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.

Note:  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.

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



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

Note: Prevent the boots from contacting other components to prevent damage to the boots.

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.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

6. On AWD models, install the bearing lock bolt (1) and tighten 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 and tighten to 89 N·m (66 lb ft).
9. Connect the outer tie rod end assembly to the steering knuckle and tighten to 49 N·m (36 lb ft).



10. Install a NEW wheel drive shaft nut and tighten to 216 N·m (159 lb ft). Insert a drift or a flat-bladed tool through the caliper and into the brake rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.
11. Using a punch and hammer, stake the locknut.



12. Install the wheel speed sensor and tighten the retaining bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
14. On AWD models, inspect the transfer case fluid level.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Inspect the transaxle fluid level.