Removing and Installing Drive Axles
The large nut securing the stub axle and outer CV joint to the hub is very tight. Removing it and torquing it properly on installation may require special tools. The inner CV joints are mounted with 8 mm, 12-point socket-head bolts which require a special wrench. Both inner and outer CV joints are held onto the drive axle shafts with circlips which should be replaced any time the joints are removed and installed. Use a new gasket when installing the inner CV joints to the transaxle drive flanges.
To remove:
| 1. | With the vehicle on the ground, pry off the dust cap in the center of the front wheel hub and loosen, but do not remove, the axle shaft nut. |
WARNING-
Loosen axle shaft nuts only while the car is on the ground. The leverage required to do this could topple the car from a lift or jack stand.
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| 2. | Raise the front end of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Make matching marks on the control arm and ball joint so that the ball joint can be reinstalled in the same location on the control arm. Remove the two ball joint mounting nuts. |
| 3. | Clean around the inner CV joint and remove the six 8 mm, 12-point socket-head bolts that hold the inner CV joint to the transaxle drive flange. Support the inner end of the drive axle to prevent damage to the outer CV joint. |
| 4. | Remove the axle shaft nut and pull the drive axle out of the wheel hub. Cover the exposed inner CV joints to prevent contamination. |
NOTE-
A light tap with a soft-faced mallet will help dislodge a stubborn axle.
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Installation is the reverse of removal. Stick a new adhesive-backed gasket onto the clean inner CV joint. Torque the 8 mm, 12-point socket-head bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft. lb.). Torque the control arm ball joint clamping bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft. lb.). Torque the axle shaft nut to 265 Nm (195 ft. lb.).
WARNING-
Torque the axle shaft nut only while the car is on the ground. The leverage required to do this could topple the car off a lift or jack stand.
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