Removal & Installation (Metro & Firefly (Canadian))

Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove one retaining bolt and ABS speed sensor from steering knuckle (if equipped). Set aside. Unstake axle shaft nut. Remove nut and washer from axle shaft.
Remove ball joint-to-steering knuckle bolt, nut and washer. Separate ball joint from steering knuckle. On sedan models, right-side inner joint may be removed from center support bearing by gently taping with a plastic hammer. On all other models, use 2 screwdrivers to gently pry axle shaft from transaxle case. Separate axle shaft from steering knuckle assembly and remove axle shaft.
NOTE: If vehicle is to be lowered and moved, front wheel bearings must be supported. Install a 9/16" bolt and nut through axle shaft opening in hub with a 1 3/4" washer on each side. Tighten bolt and nut to 40 ft. lbs. (54 N.m).
To install, reverse removal procedure. When installing axle shaft in differential, ensure snap ring seats fully in differential assembly. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (METRO & FIREFLY (CANADIAN)) table.