1. Gather Tools and Parts
- Replacement axle assembly
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set
- Wrench set
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Axle grease
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
2. Prepare the Vehicle
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel, but do not remove them completely.
3. Lift the Vehicle
- Place the jack under the vehicle's designated lift point near the affected wheel.
- Raise the vehicle until the affected wheel is off the ground.
- Secure the vehicle with jack stands.
4. Remove the Wheel
- Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the affected wheel.
5. Disconnect Stabilizer Link
- Locate the stabilizer link attached to the strut and the sway bar.
- Remove the nut and bolt connecting the stabilizer link to the strut.
- Disconnect the stabilizer link from the sway bar.
6. Remove Axle Nut
- Locate the axle nut in the center of the wheel hub.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the axle nut.
7. Remove the Brake Caliper
- Locate the brake caliper mounted to the steering knuckle.
- Remove the bolts holding the brake caliper in place.
- Carefully hang the brake caliper out of the way, making sure not to strain the brake line.
8. Remove the Steering Linkage
- Locate the tie rod end connected to the steering knuckle.
- Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut on the tie rod end.
- Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using a ball joint separator or hammer.
9. Remove the Driveshaft
- Locate the driveshaft connected to the axle through the wheel hub.
- Use a pry bar to pry the driveshaft out of the wheel hub.
- Allow the driveshaft to hang freely.
10. Remove the Axle Assembly
- Locate the bolts holding the axle assembly to the steering knuckle.
- Use a wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
- Carefully pull the axle assembly out of the steering knuckle.
11. Install New Axle Assembly
- Insert the new axle assembly into the steering knuckle.
- Secure it in place with the removed bolts.
- Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
12. Reinstall Driveshaft
- Insert the driveshaft back into the wheel hub.
- Ensure it is properly seated and secured.
13. Reinstall Steering Linkage
- Reconnect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
- Install the cotter pin and tighten the castle nut.
14. Reinstall Brake Caliper
- Reattach the brake caliper to the steering knuckle using the removed bolts.
- Tighten the bolts securely.
15. Reinstall Stabilizer Link
- Reconnect the stabilizer link to the strut and the sway bar.
- Tighten the nut and bolt securely.
16. Reinstall Wheel
- Place the wheel back onto the hub and reinstall the lug nuts.
- Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until snug.
17. Lower the Vehicle
- Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
- Remove the jack stands.
- Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
Test the vehicle's handling and ensure there are no unusual noises or vibrations. If everything seems in order, the axle replacement is complete. Note that vehicles can vary, and it's always a good practice to refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this task.
