2. Using a socket wrench, loosen the hub nut (figure 11.2).
Note: If the key does not fit into the hole in the center of the wheel, remove the wheel and install the spare tire.
3. Loosen the wheel nuts, lift the vehicle and place it on supports. Remove the wheel. Drain the fluid from the transmission (see chapter 1).
4. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link(s) from the suspension arms (see chapter 10).
5. Disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle (see chapter 10). Loosen the hub/drive shaft mounting nut.
6. Rotate the hub assembly with the steering knuckle outward like this. so that it disengages from the drive shaft (figure 11.6).
Note: If the drive shaft splines do not disengage from the hub, tap the end of the shaft with a plastic hammer. Secure the outer end of the drive shaft with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the inner joint.
7. When removing the right drive shaft, carefully disconnect its inner joint from the intermediate shaft. To do this, you can insert a large screwdriver between the inner joint housing and the intermediate shaft bearing housing and use it as a lever.
8. When removing the left drive shaft, pull the inner joint shaft out of the gearbox. To do this, you can insert a large screwdriver between the inner hinge housing and the gearbox and use it as a lever (figure 11.8). Be careful. do not damage the differential seal.
9. While maintaining the constant velocity joints, remove the drive shaft from under the vehicle.
Installation
10. Remove the spring hoof from the inner end of the left drive shaft (or from the outer end of the intermediate shaft for the right drive shaft) and replace it with a new one (figure 11.10, a, b). Lubricate the differential or idler shaft seal with general purpose grease, then install the drive shaft, supporting its joints.
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Note: Install the snap ring with the split side facing up. This will make it easier to install the shaft and prevent the ring from breaking.
11. Push the splined end of the inner joint into the differential gear (left drive shaft) or into the intermediate shaft (right drive shaft). Make sure of that. that the spring hoof was pawing into the groove.
12. Apply a small amount of grease to the splines on the outer end of the shaft, move the hub aside and place it on the drive shaft.
13. Insert the ball joint pin into the steering knuckle and tighten the pinch bolt to the specified torque (see Technical data at the beginning of Chapter 10).
14. Install the new hub/drive shaft nut. Tighten the nut securely, but do not tighten it to the specified torque until the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
15. Pull the inner hinge housing (do not pull on the drive shaft) and make sure that the drive shaft is securely held in the gearbox (intermediate shaft).
16. Connect the stabilizer bar link(s) (see chapter 10).
17. Install the wheel, tighten the lug nuts, and then lower the vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque (see Technical data at the beginning of Chapter 1).
18. Tighten the hub/drive shaft nut to the specified torque. Using a hammer and chisel, tap the nut into the groove of the drive shaft. Place the hub cap or wheel cover on.
19. Fill the gearbox with oil (see chapter 1).