DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Axle shafts transfer power from transaxle to drive wheels. Axle shafts consist of a shaft and flexible Constant Velocity (CV) joint at each end. Inboard CV joint is bolted to differential. Outboard CV joint is splined to hub assembly and secured by axle shaft bolt.
Inboard and outboard CV joints are enclosed by a rubber joint boot. Boot maintains lubrication in the joint and prevents contamination of CV joint lubricant. Boots must be replaced if leaking or cracked.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Note. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
REMOVAL, DISASSEMBLY, REASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION
Note. Disassembly and reassembly procedures for rear axle shafts are same as front shafts. See AXLE SHAFTS article in DRIVE AXLES section.
| CAUTION | Before moving a vehicle from which the drive axle has been removed, first install an outer CV joint in place of the drive axle otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged. |
Note. Replace all self locking nuts and bolts if removed.
Removal
- Remove hub cap. Loosen axle shaft flanged bolt. Raise and support vehicle. Remove axle shaft flanged bolt and wheel. Remove brake caliper, and support using wire. Paint match marks on disc brake rotor and axle hub and remove disc brake rotor. On models with ABS, remove ABS sensor and sleeve out of wheel bearing housing. (Scheme 1)
- To remove right side axle shaft, remove cover plate for fuel tank. To remove left side axle shaft, remove heat shield for inner CV boot. Remove bearing housing from trapezoidal arm and support. Disconnect transverse link from bearing housing. Remove stabilizer bar link rod bracket. Swivel bearing housing downward. Remove drive axle.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Check and adjust alignment as needed.
Scheme 1
| Application | Ounces (g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Inboard | ||
| 4.0" (100 mm) Joint Dia. | 2.8 (80) | |
| 4.3" (108 mm) Joint Dia. | 4.2 (120) | |
| Outboard | ||
| 3.5" (89 mm) Joint Dia. | 3.2 (90) | |
| 3.9" (98 mm) Joint Dia. | 4.2 (120) | |
BOOT & JOINT GREASE CAPACITY
- Remove hub cap. Loosen axle shaft flanged bolt. Raise and support vehicle. Remove axle shaft flanged bolt and wheel. Remove brake caliper, and support using wire. Paint match marks on disc brake rotor and axle hub for reassembly reference and remove disc brake rotor. On models with ABS, remove ABS sensor and sleeve out of wheel bearing housing. (Scheme 2)
- Remove bearing housing from trapezoidal arm and support. Disconnect transverse link from bearing housing. Remove stabilizer bar link rod bracket. Pull bearing housing off drive axle.
- Remove dust shield. Remove inner snap ring. Press hub out of wheel bearing. Using bearing splitter, remove inner race from hub. Remove outer snap ring. Press bearing out of bearing housing.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten fasteners to specification. Check and adjust alignment as needed.
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Ft. Lbs. (N.m) | |
|---|---|---|
| Axle Shaft Bolt | (1) 147 (200) | |
| Ball Joint Nut | 37 (50) | |
| Brake Caliper Bolts | 44 (60) | |
| Connecting Link | 18 (25) | |
| CV Joint To Differential | ||
| M8 Threads | 33 (45) | |
| M10 Threads | 59 (80) | |
| Lower Control Arm | 70 (95) | |
| Support To Bearing Housing | 125 (170) | |
| Stabilizer Link | 33 (45) | |
| Tie Rod | 70 (95) | |
| Transverse Link | 148 (200) | |
| Trapezoidal Arm | 81 (110) | |
| Upper Control Arm Connecting Link | 37 (50) | |
| Wheel Lug Nut | 81 (110) | |
| INCH lbs. (N.m) | ||
| Dust Shield | 84 (10) | |
| (1) Plus 1/4 turn. | ||
| (1) | Plus 1/4 turn. |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS