Axle Shaft: Removal
- Unlock the steering column so that the steering linkage is free to move. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Remove the front tires and wheels assembly.
- In order to prevent the axle shaft from turning, insert a drift through the brake caliper and into one of the rotor vanes. See Fig 1. Remove the axle nut and washer. Remove the drift from the brake rotor. Remove the front brake rotors and support the caliper with a piece of wire in order to prevent damage to the brake hose. See BRAKE ROTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate DISC & DRUM BRAKES article.
- Remove the brackets from the upper control arm holding both the ABS wire and the brake hose. Remove the ABS bracket located on the top of the upper control arm ball joint. Strap the frame to the hoist in order to prevent movement.
- Position a safety stand under the lower control arm. Support the weight of the steering knuckle assembly and lower control arm with a safety stand. Disengage the axle shaft from the hub by placing a brass drift against the outer end of the axle shaft in order to protect the threads. Sharply strike the brass drift with a hammer. Do not attempt to remove the axle at this time. Support the steering knuckle and assembly with a piece of wire in order to prevent damage to the outer tie rod and ABS wire.
- Disconnect the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle. See UPPER BALL JOINT under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate FRONT SUSPENSION article. Remove the lower part of shock absorber. See SHOCK ABSORBER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate FRONT SUSPENSION article. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. See STEERING KNUCKLE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate FRONT SUSPENSION article.
- After the lower ball joint is loose from the knuckle, simultaneously push the axle shaft in toward the differential carrier in order to allow room for the knuckle and assembly to be removed. Remove the axle from the steering knuckle assembly.
- Remove the front differential carrier shield. Disconnect the left side axle shaft from the differential carrier by placing a block of wood or a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the block of wood outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.
- Disconnect the right side axle shaft from the differential carrier by placing a block of wood or a brass drift against the tripot housing. Firmly strike the block of wood outward from the case with a hammer. Strike hard enough to overcome the snap ring pressure holding in the shaft.
- Pull the axle straight out from the differential carrier. Support the axle shaft so as not to tear the boot. Remove the axle shaft.
NOTE:
Lower the safety stand from the lower control arm in order to relieve the pressure of the torsion bar and in order to allow for clearance. Do not damage the axle seal during removal of the differential carrier shield.
CAUTION:
To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, do not allow the weight of the vehicle to load the front wheels, or attempt to operate the vehicle, when the axle shaft(s) or axle shaft nut(s) are removed. To do so may cause the inner bearing race to separate, resulting in damage to brake and suspension components and loss of vehicle control.