Removal (MR2)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Toyota Sequoia, 2001 Toyota RAV4, 2001 Toyota MR2, and 2001 Toyota Highlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels. Drain differential oil into proper container. Unstake drive shaft lock nut. Apply brakes and remove nut. Remove bolt and brake flex hose bracket from shock absorber. Loosen 2 lower shock absorber bolts and nuts.
Remove mounting bolts/nuts and disconnect strut rod from axle carrier. Remove mounting bolts/nuts from No. 1 lower suspension arm. Remove nut and No. 2 lower suspension arm. Remove lower shock absorber bolt and nut and two washers. See Fig 1. Using plastic hammer, remove drive shaft from axle hub. DO NOT damage oil seal, boots or dust seal.
On right axle shaft remove two bolts from center bearing bracket and remove axle shaft and center bearing bracket together.
On left axle shaft use a brass drift and hammer and tap on inner joint to separate from transaxle.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Rear Axle Shaft (MR2)