1 – retaining ring; 2 – drive shaft; 3 – front suspension strut; 4 – steering knuckle; 5 – brake disc; 6 – nut, 220–260 Nm; 7 – lower arm.
Removal
1. Raise the vehicle, secure it on supports and remove the front wheel.
2. Remove the nut securing the drive shaft to the front wheel hub.
Warning: When loosening the drive shaft-to-hub nut, apply the brake pedal to prevent the wheel and drive shaft from turning.
3. Drain the transmission fluid from the gearbox.
4. Using a nylon hammer, tap the drive shaft out of the front wheel hub. If the drive shaft is tight in the front wheel hub, spray the spline area with penetrating aerosol solvent and then re-tighten the flange nut until it is flush with the end of the shaft. Tap the nut with a brass hammer to tap the drive shaft out of the hub.
5. Tilt the steering knuckle outward and remove the drive shaft from the front wheel hub.
6. Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint of the drive shaft and the gearbox and lightly tap the pry bar to remove the drive shaft from the gearbox.
Warning! Place the pry bar on the ribs of the transmission housing.
Warning: Do not insert the pry bar too deeply to avoid damaging the oil sealing ring.
Warning: Do not pull on the drive shaft as this will damage the constant velocity joints.
7. Remove the drive shaft from the gearbox.
Warning! Install special plugs instead of drive shafts to prevent dirt from getting into the gearbox.
Warning: Replace the differential seal whenever the drive shaft is removed.
Examination
1. Check the protective boots of the CV joints of the drive shaft for damage and hardening of the rubber.
2. Check the ball joints for wear.
3. Check the splines on the ends of the drive shaft for wear or damage.
Installation
1. Lubricate the sealing lip of the differential oil seal ring.
2. Install a new snap ring on the inner end of the drive shaft. Push the drive shaft into the gearbox with the split in the snap ring facing downward.
3. After installation, pull the drive shaft outward and make sure it is securely fixed with the round clamp.
4. Place the washer under the drive shaft to hub mounting nut with the convex side facing outward as shown in the illustration.