Axle Shafts: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove tire and wheel assembly. Disconnect ABS speed sensor cable connector. Remove brake hose clip.
- Using End Yoke Holder (MB990767), remove axle nut. See Fig 1 . Loosen tie rod end nut. Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle using Steering Linkage Puller (MB991113 or MB99065). See Fig 2 .
- Loosen nut retaining lateral lower arm to steering knuckle. Separate lateral lower arm from steering knuckle using steering linkage puller. Loosen nut retaining compression arm to steering knuckle. Separate compression arm from steering knuckle using steering linkage puller.
- When removing the right axle shaft on models equipped with a 3.0L engine, remove center bearing support bracket.
- On all models, using end yoke holder, Front Hub Remover/Installer (MB990767), Puller Bar (MB990242) and Puller Body (MB991354), separate axle shaft from hub assembly. See Fig 3 . Place drain pan under transaxle end of axle shaft. Wrap shop rags around CV boots to protect boots.
- On all models except 3.0L (right axle), install pry bar between axle shaft housing and transaxle. Pry axle shaft from transaxle. See Fig 4 .
- On models equipped with a 3.0L, if the right inner shaft and transaxle are tightly joined, tap the center bearing bracket lightly with a plastic hammer to remove. See Fig 5 . On all models, place a shop towel over the transaxle to prevent foreign objects from entering transaxle.
CAUTION:
DO NOT apply vehicle weight to wheel bearing while axle shaft is disconnected.
CAUTION:
For vehicles equipped with ABS, DO NOT damage the ABS rotor attached to the birfield joint outer race.
CAUTION:
In the following step, DO NOT insert the pry bar too deep, as it may cause damage to the oil seal. DO NOT damage the transaxle oil seal with the spline of the driveshaft.
CAUTION:
DO NOT damage the transaxle oil seal with the spline of the inner shaft.