Front Tube Axle

FRONT TUBE AXLE

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Position a lifting device under the axle and secure axle to lift.
3. Remove the wheels and tires.
4. Remove the brake rotors and calipers.
5. Disconnect wheel sensor wiring harness from the vehicle wiring harness.
6. Remove stabilizer bar links at the axle.
7. Remove shock absorbers from axle brackets.
8. Remove track bar.
9. Remove tie rod and drag link from the steering knuckle.
10. Remove steering damper from the axle bracket.
11. Remove upper and lower suspension arms from the axle brackets.
12. Lower the lift enough to remove the axle. The coil springs will drop with the axle.
13. Remove the coil springs from the axle.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the springs before suspension arms and track bar fasteners are tightened. If not at their normal ride position, ride height and handling could be affected.

1. Install springs and retainer clips and tighten retainer bolts to 21 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
2. Lift and position axle under the vehicle and align it with the spring pads.
3. Position upper and lower suspension arms in the axle brackets and loosely install bolts and nuts.
4. Install track bar to the axle bracket and loosely install bolt.
5. Install shock absorbers and tighten bolts to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
6. Install stabilizer bar links to the axle brackets and tighten nuts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
7. Install drag link and tie rod to the steering knuckles.
8. Install steering damper to the axle bracket and tighten nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the brake rotors and calipers.
10. Connect wheel speed sensor wiring harness, if equipped.
11. Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
12. Remove lift from the axle and lower the vehicle.
13. Tighten upper suspension arm nuts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.). Tighten lower suspension arm nuts to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).
14. Tighten track bar bolt at the axle bracket to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
15. Check the front wheel alignment.