Drive Axle: Removing

-- Loosen the connection between the drive axle and wheel hub. Refer to THREADED CONNECTION BETWEEN DRIVE AXLE AND WHEEL HUB, LOOSENING AND TIGHTENING .

-- Remove the wheel.

-- Remove the nuts -1- and the cover -2-.

Fig 1: Identifying Nuts And Cover

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the flange shaft/transmission.

Fig 2: Identifying Left And Right Drive Axles

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-- Remove the drive axle.

Applies to a Vehicle with a Subframe Shield

Fig 3: Identifying Subframe Shield

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If there is not enough room available to remove the drive axle, perform the following steps:

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and move the subframe shield -1- to the side.

-- Remove the bracket for the brake hose and ABS line from the wheel bearing housing.

-- Loosen the threaded connection -1- and remove both control arms -2- upward.

Fig 4: Identifying Booth Joint Pins In Upper Control Arm

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The slits in the wheel bearing housing must not be widened using a chisel or similar tool!

-- Tilt the wheel bearing housing to the side while pulling the drive axle pins out of the wheel hub.

-- Remove drive shaft.