Axle Shafts: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus ES 330. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Coat spline of inboard joint assembly with automatic transaxle fluid.
Align shaft splines and install axle shaft assembly with brass drift and hammer. Ensure that snap ring is set with opening side facing downward and use caution to not damage oil seal.
Install fender apron seal.
Using screwdriver, install right axle shaft bearing bracket hole snap ring. Install bolt. See Figure. Tighten bolt to proper specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install axle shaft assembly to axle assembly. Use caution not to damage outboard joint boot.
Install lower ball joint assembly to lower control arm with bolt and 2 nuts. Tighten to proper specifications.
Install tie rod to steering knuckle with nut. Tighten to proper specification. Install new cotter pin.
NOTE: If the holes of the cotter pin are not aligned, tighten the nut further to 60°.
Install speed sensor wire and flexible hoses to shock absorber with bolt. Tighten to specification. Install sensor wire clamp.
Install speed sensor to steering knuckle with bolt. Tighten to specification. Use caution to not damage speed sensor. Prevent foreign matter from being attached to sensor. DO NOT twist sensor wire when installing sensor. See Figure.
Install stabilizer link with nut. Tighten to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . If ball joint turns together with nut, then use a hexagon wrench (6 mm) to hold the stud.
Install new axle hub nut. Tighten to specification.
Using chisel and hammer, stake hub nut.
Install front wheel.
Fill with appropriate transaxle fluid, and inspect fluid level.
Inspect and adjust front wheel alignment. See appropriate WHEEL ALIGNMENT article.
Inspect ABS speed sensor signal.