Drive Axle Removal:

Figure 1 - Prevent Shaft From Turning:

1. Raise vehicle and support it with suitable safety stands.

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

3. Insert a drift or large screwdriver through brake caliper into one of the brake rotor vanes to prevent halfshaft from turning (Figure 1).

Figure 2 - Hub Nut and Washer Removal:

4. Remove halfshaft cotter pin, retainer, nut, and washer (Figure 2).

Figure 3 - Inboard Flange Bolt Removal:

5. Loosen (do not remove at this time) six bolts securing inboard C/V joint drive flange to output shaft companion flange (Figure 3).

Figure 4 - Brake Line Bracket Removal:

6. Remove brake line support bracket from upper control arm to allow extra travel of knuckle (Figure 4).

7. Remove cotter pin and nut from the outer tie rod.

Figure 5 - Disconnecting the Tie Rod:

8. Separate the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J24319-01 (Figure 5).

Notice: Do not attempt to disengage the joint by driving a wedge-type tool between the joint and the knuckle because the seal may be damaged.

9. Push linkage to opposite side of the vehicle and secure outer tie rod up and out of the way. This will provide the needed clearance to remove the halfshaft.

Figure 6 - Disconnecting Lower Shock Mount:

10. Remove the lower shock mounting nut and bolt (Figure 6).

11. Collapse the shock absorber.

12. Move the shock absorber up, away, and secure.

13. Depending on the type of hoist, it may be required to position floor stand between the spring seats and the lower control arm ball joint for miximum leverage. The weight of the vehicle is used to relieve the spring tension on the upper control arm.

Caution: The floor jack or stand must remain under the control arm spring seat while servicing the halfshaft to maintain spring and control arm position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.


14. Disconnect the cotter pin.

15. Remove the stud nut from the upper ball joint.

Figure 7 - Ball Joint from Knuckle Separation:

16. Loosen the stud using J34026 and move away from the knuckle (Figure 7).

Figure 9 - Disconnecting the Upper Ball Joint:

17. Tip the knuckle out and toward the rear of the vehicle. Suspend the knuckle to prevent straining the brake line (Figure 9).

Important: Cover the shock mounting bracket and the ball stud on the lower control arm with a shop towel to prevent possible halfshaft seal damage during removal and installation.

Figure 8 - Splined Shank and Knuckle Separation:

18. Install J28733 on brake rotor and separate outer C/V joint splined shank from knuckle hub (Figure 8).

Figure 3 - Inboard Flange Bolt Removal:

19. Remove six bolts (loosened earlier) from inboard joint flange (Figure 3).

20. Support inboard end of halfshaft. Free splined shank from hub and remove halfshaft from vehicle.

Important: Wipe the wheel bearing seal area on the knuckle clean. Check the seal for cuts or tears.

21. Lubricate the seal lip.

- If seal is cut or torn, inspect the wheel bearing for damage and replace the seal.

22. If necessary, replace the seal as follows:

- Pry old seal from knuckle and discard.

- Lubricate the new seal lip.

- Use a flat plate to press the seal down flush with the knuckle.