Removal

DRIVE SHAFT: FRONT DRIVE SHAFT: REMOVAL

REMOVAL
HINT:
- Use the same procedures for the RH side and LH side.
- The procedures listed below are for the LH side.

1. DRAIN TRANSAXLE OIL
(a) Using a 10 mm socket hexagon wrench, remove the drain plug and gasket, and drain the fluid.
(b) Using a socket hexagon wrench, tighten the drain plug with a new gasket placed inside.
Torque: 39 Nm (400 kgf-cm, 29 ft-lbf)
2. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
3. REMOVE FRONT AXLE HUB NUT LH





(a) Using SST and a hammer, unstake the axle hub nut.
SST: 09930-00010
NOTICE:
- Place SST on the flat part of the nut's recess.
- Do not grind the SST tip with a grinder or equivalent.
- Unstake the front axle hub nut completely when removing it.
- Do not damage the front drive shaft LH threads.

(b) Using a 30 mm socket wrench, remove the axle hub nut.
4. REMOVE FRONT SPEED SENSOR LH





(a) Remove the bolt and disconnect the speed sensor wire and flexible hose clamp from the shock absorber.





(b) Remove the bolt and front speed sensor from the steering knuckle.
NOTE: Keep both the tip and installation part of the speed sensor free of foreign matter.

5. DISCONNECT TIE ROD END SUB-ASSEMBLY LH





(a) Remove the clip and castle nut.
(b) Using SST, disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
SST: 09628-00011
NOTICE:
- Do not damage the front disc brake dust cover.
- Be sure to hang the tie rod end with a string to prevent SST from dropping.
- Do not damage the ball joint dust cover.
- Do not damage the steering knuckle.
- Securely hang SST to the spacer of the steering knuckle.
- Replace the steering knuckle with a new one if the spacer comes off the steering knuckle.

6. DISCONNECT NO. 1 FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SUB-ASSEMBLY LOWER LH





(a) Remove the bolt and 2 nuts.
(b) Push down the No. 1 front suspension lower arm and disconnect the front lower ball joint.
7. REMOVE FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY LH
(a) Using a plastic-faced hammer, tap the end of the front drive shaft and disengage the fitting between the front drive shaft and front axle.
HINT: If it is difficult to disengage, tap the end of the front drive shaft LH with a brass bar and hammer.

(b) Push the front axle outward from the vehicle to remove the front drive shaft from the front axle.
NOTICE:
- Be careful not to push the front axle outward from the vehicle more than necessary to remove it.
- Be careful not to damage the front axle out board joint boot.
- Be careful not to damage the speed sensor rotor.
- Hang the drive shaft down with a string or equivalent.

8. REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LH





(a) Remove the front fender apron seal.
(b) Hook the SST claw at position (1) in the illustration to remove the front drive shaft.
SST: 09520-01010
SST: 09520-24010
09520-32040
NOTICE:
- Be careful not to damage the oil seal.
- Be careful not to damage the front drive shaft boot.
- Be careful not to drop the front drive shaft.
HINT: If the front drive shaft cannot be removed at position (1) in the illustration, hook the SST claw at position (2) in the illustration in order to remove it.

9. REMOVE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY RH
HINT: Remove the front drive shaft RH following the same procedures as the LH side.





10. FIX FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY LH
HINT: The hub bearing could be damaged if it is subjected to the vehicle's full weight, such as when moving the vehicle with the drive shaft removed. If it is absolutely necessary to place the vehicle's weight on the hub bearing, first support it with SST.

SST: 09608-16042
09608-02021
09608-02041
11. INSPECT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LH
(a) Check for noticeable looseness when turning the joint up and down, left and right, and in the thrust direction.
(b) Check for cracks, damage or grease leaks on the joint boot.
NOTE: Carry the drive shaft levelly.