Tools and Materials Needed:
- Jack stands
- Jack
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Breaker bar
- Axle puller
- New axle shaft
- Axle shaft nuts and bolts
- Brake cleaner
- Replacement axle seals (if needed)
- Grease
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Car:
- Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel but don't remove them completely.
2. Lift the Car:
- Use a jack to lift the car until the affected wheel is about 6-8 inches off the ground.
3. Remove the Lug Nuts and Wheel:
- Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
4. Remove the Brake Caliper:
- Locate the brake caliper and remove the bolts that hold it in place.
- Hang the caliper from the suspension with a piece of wire or string to avoid straining the brake line.
5. Remove the Brake Rotor:
- Remove the brake rotor by gently prying it off with a pry bar or by gently tapping it with a hammer.
6. Remove the Axle Nut:
- Locate the axle nut in the center of the axle shaft.
- Use a breaker bar and socket to loosen and remove the axle nut.
7. Disconnect the Tie Rod End:
- Locate the tie rod end that connects to the steering knuckle.
- Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut that holds the tie rod end in place.
- Separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle by using a ball joint separator or pry bar.
8. Remove the Ball Joint:
- Locate the ball joint that connects the lower control arm to the steering knuckle.
- Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut that holds the ball joint in place.
- Use a ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
9. Remove the Driveshaft:
- If the driveshaft is still connected to the axle shaft, you'll need to remove it.
- Disconnect the driveshaft from the axle shaft by removing the bolts that hold them together.
10. Push the Axle Shaft Inward:
- Use a pry bar or a large screwdriver to push the axle shaft inward until it pops out from the differential.
11. Remove the Axle Shaft:
- Once the axle shaft is pushed inward, you should be able to pull it out from the transmission and the hub.
12. Clean the Axle Shaft Housing:
- Clean the axle shaft housing and differential input flange using a wire brush and brake cleaner.
- Ensure that all old grease and debris are removed.
13. Install the New Axle Shaft:
- Insert the new axle shaft into the differential input flange.
- Gently push the axle shaft inward until it seats properly in the differential.
- Check to ensure alignment with the splines on the hub and the differential.
14. Reinstall the Axle Nut:
- Replace the axle nut and tighten it securely but don't overtighten it.
15. Reattach the Driveshaft (if removed):
- If you disconnected the driveshaft, slide the driveshaft back into the axle shaft and secure it with the bolts.
16. Reattach the Ball Joint and Tie Rod End:
- Reattach the ball joint to the steering knuckle and insert the cotter pin.
- Tighten the castle nut and secure it.
17. Reattach the Brake Rotor and Caliper:
- Reinstall the brake rotor and secure it with the lug nuts.
- Torque the lug nuts to the recommended specifications.
18. Lower the Car:
- Carefully lower the car back down using the jack.
19. Test Drive:
- Once everything is reassembled, test drive the car to ensure that the axle shaft is functioning properly and there are no abnormal noises or vibrations.
Remember, if you're not confident in your mechanical abilities, it's best to consult a professional mechanic for the axle shaft replacement. Safety should always be a priority when working on a car.
