Drive Axle, Removing And Installing: Removing

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

-- Remove the expanding rivets -2-.

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-- Pull the wind deflector -1- slightly outward in direction of -arrow- and remove.

Left Side of Vehicle:

-- Remove the rear muffler. Refer to OVERVIEW - MUFFLER (2.0L) , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER (2.9L) , OVERVIEW - MUFFLER Servicing 2.9L .

-- Heat shield version 1: remove the bolts -arrows-, and remove the heat shield -1-.

Fig 1: Heat Shield - Bolts

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-- Heat shield version 2: remove the bolts -arrows-, and remove the heat shield -A-.

Fig 2: Identifying Left Drive Axle Heat Shield

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Continuation for All Vehicles:

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows-, and carefully remove the drive axle.