The Axle Shaft replacement process begins with
Steering Column unlocking to free up the steering linkage and adds vehicle elevation and safety stands for support. To prevent drive axle rotation, put a drift tool through the brake caliper that penetrates one rotor vane while removing the two front tire and wheel assemblies. The brake caliper support with wire must be prepared before uninstalling the axle nut and washer followed by brake rotor drift removal and front brake rotors extraction. Before proceeding remove the brackets which secure the abs wire and brake hose to the upper
Control Arm thus also the abs bracket which sits above the upper Control Arm
Ball Joint. Secure the frame on the hoist while preventing any damage to components by the safety stand. Install one safety stand underneath the lower Control Arm then position a second safety stand to stabilize the
Steering Knuckle assembly together with lower Control Arm. The Axle Shaft separation from the hub requires a sharp hammer strike onto the axle outer end while using a brass drift. First support the Steering Knuckle with wire to avoid damage before breaking the upper Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle then removing the bottom of the shock absorber to disconnect the lower Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle. The Axle Shaft movement toward the differential carrier after loosening the lower Ball Joint creates enough space for removing the knuckle assembly before towing out the axle. Lower down the safety stand from the lower Control Arm because it lowers torsion bar pressure but maintain attention to avoid damaging the axle seal when removing the differential carrier shield. After unscrewing the front differential carrier shield users should strike a block of wood or brass drift against the tripot housing to disengage the snap ring pressure from axle shafts before extraction. Pull the axle directly from the differential carrier using support to prevent boot damages. The Axle Shaft(s) must remain in place as the vehicle should not support weight on the front wheels and should not operate without both Axle Shaft(s) and Axle Shaft nut(s) installed. Finally, remove the drive axle. Protect boot material by using a shop towel to cover the shock mounting bracket and ball stud of the lower Control Arm and all points with edges during installation. Put the shaft into the differential carrier through the following steps: position the splines on the shaft with the differential carrier while inserting the drive axle into the differential carrier seal and continue pushing straight until the snap ring reaches its seat. When the lower Control Arm sits on the safety stand you can start guiding the lower ball stud into position on the Steering Knuckle while partially installing the drive axle. Install the lower Ball Joint to the Steering Knuckle before putting on the lower shock absorber part followed by attaching the upper Ball Joint and drive axle washer with its nut tightened to 140 nm (103 ft. Lbs.). The abs bracket positions above the upper Control Arm Ball Joint before adding brackets that hold the abs wire and brake hose from the upper Control Arm followed by front brake rotor installation. The front differential carrier shield needs installation followed by removing the frame strap and installing both front tire and wheel assemblies before lowering the vehicle.