FRONT DRIVE SHAFT

Removal and Installation (Left Side)

1. Remove wheel and tire. Refer to See: Maintenance\Wheels and Tires\Service and Repair.
2. Remove wheel sensor from steering knuckle. Refer to See: Brakes and Traction Control\Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems\Wheel Speed Sensor\Service and Repair\ABS\Wheel Sensors (ABS), See: Brakes and Traction Control\Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems\Wheel Speed Sensor\Service and Repair\TCS/ABS (TCS/ABS), See: Brakes and Traction Control\Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems\Wheel Speed Sensor\Service and Repair\VDC/TCS/ABS\Wheel Sensors (VDC/TCS/ABS).
3. Remove cotter pin. Then remove lock nut from drive shaft.
4. Remove brake hose lock plate. Then remove brake hose from strut.
5. Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt using power tool, then separate lower ball joint from steering knuckle. Refer to See: Steering and Suspension\Suspension\Service and Repair\FRONT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY\Exploded View.

6. Remove drive shaft from wheel hub and bearing assembly, using a puller or suitable tool.

CAUTION:

• When removing drive shaft, do not apply an excessive angle to drive shaft joint. Also be careful not to excessively extend slide joint.

7. Remove the lefthand drive shaft from the transaxle.

• Remove drive shaft from transaxle using Tool and drive shaft puller or suitable tool.
• Set Tool and a drive shaft puller or suitable tool between drive shaft (slide joint side) and transaxle as shown, then remove drive shaft.

Tool number : KV40107500 ( - )

Inspection AFTER REMOVAL

• Move joint up/down, left/right, and in axial direction. Check for any rough movement or significant looseness.

• Check boot for cracks or other damage, and for grease leakage.
• If damaged, disassemble drive shaft to verify damage, and repair or replace as necessary.

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal. Note the following:

CAUTION:
Do not reuse non-reusable parts.

• In order to prevent damage to differential side oil seal, place Tool (A) onto oil seal before inserting drive shaft as shown. Slide drive shaft into slide joint and tap with a hammer to install securely.

Tool number : KV38106700 (J-34296)

• Install new circlip on drive shaft in the circular clip groove on transaxle side. Refer to See: Disassembly And Assembly (Left Side).

CAUTION:
Make sure the new circlip on the drive shaft is securely fastened.

• After its insertion, try to pull the flange out of the slide joint by hand. If it pulls out, the circlip is not properly meshed with the transaxle side gear.