- 17mm socket
- Torque wrench
- Breaker bar
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hammer
Procedure
1. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels enough so that you can remove them by hand, but don't remove the lug nuts completely.
2. Raise the front end of the vehicle using a floor jack and secure the vehicle on the front jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is raised high enough so you can easily remove the wheels and access the drive shafts.
3. Remove the lug nuts and wheels from the front of the vehicle.
4. Locate the lower ball joint (where the lower control arm connects to the steering knuckle).
5. Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint nut and remove the ball joint nut using the 17mm socket and a breaker bar.
6. Use a small flathead screwdriver to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the bolts securing the shock absorber, and then use a pry bar to pry the steering knuckle away from the upper ball joint.
8. Once you have popped the upper and lower ball joints, the axle will hang from the hub assembly. Support it with a piece of wood or similar item.
9. Remove the driveshaft retaining bolt from the mating flange using the 17mm socket and breaker bar.
10. Remove the axle out of the vehicle by sliding the driveshaft towards the gearbox
11. To install the new axle/driveshaft, slide it into the gearbox until the splines engage. Install the driveshaft bolt and tighten it to 45 ft-lb (61 Nm) using a torque wrench.
12. Reconnect the upper and lower ball joints and reinstall the wheels.
13. Lower the vehicle and install the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts until snug.
14. Test the vehicles drivability in a empty carpark to ensure the repair was done successfully.
