1. Gather Necessary Tools and Parts:
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
- A jack and jack stands
- Socket set
- Combination wrenches
- Pry bar
- CV joint replacement kit (new CV joints, grease, and axle nut)
2. Safety First:
- Park the Pajero on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
3. Lift the Vehicle:
- Use a jack and jack stands to raise the vehicle. Ensure it's stable and at a comfortable working height.
4. Remove the Wheel:
- Use the socket set to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
5. Disconnect the Steering Tie Rod End:
- Locate the steering tie rod end connected to the steering knuckle.
- Use the appropriate wrench size to loosen and remove the nut securing the tie rod end to the knuckle.
- Use a pry bar or ball joint separator (if available) to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle.
6. Disconnect the Lower Ball Joint:
- Locate the lower ball joint connecting the lower control arm to the steering knuckle.
- Use the appropriate wrench size to loosen and remove the nut and bolt securing the ball joint.
- Use a pry bar or ball joint separator to separate the ball joint from the knuckle.
7. Remove the CV Joint Axle Nut:
- Locate the CV joint axle nut on the end of the axle shaft.
- Use the socket set and break loose the axle nut. Don't fully remove it yet.
8. Dislodge the CV Joint from the Transmission:
- With the axle nut loosened, use the pry bar to gently pry the CV joint away from the transmission.
- Some light tapping may be necessary to help dislodge the joint.
9. Withdraw the Axle Shaft:
- Once the CV joint comes free from the transmission, carefully pull out the axle shaft assembly.
- Be cautious as the axle shaft can be heavy, so lift it slowly and support it.
10. Remove the Old CV Joint:
- Secure the axle shaft in a vise or mount it securely.
- Use the appropriate wrench to loosen and remove the bolts holding the CV joint to the axle shaft.
- Pull the old joint off the axle shaft.
11. Install the New CV Joint:
- Slide the new CV joint onto the axle shaft, ensuring it's fully seated.
- Reinstall the bolts to secure the CV joint to the axle shaft.
12. Connect the Axle Assembly:
- Carefully slide the axle assembly back into the transmission.
- Make sure the CV joint seats properly in the transmission housing.
13. Reinstall the CV Joint Axle Nut:
- Reinstall the CV joint axle nut and tighten it snugly. (DO NOT fully tighten it yet).
14. Reconnect Steering Tie Rod End and Ball Joint:
- Reconnect the steering tie rod end and the lower ball joint to their respective mounting points.
- Tighten the nuts and bolts securely.
15. Reinstall the Wheel:
- Place the wheel back onto the hub.
- Reinstall the lug nuts and hand-tighten them.
16. Lower the Vehicle:
- Carefully lower the Pajero using the jack stands.
17. Tighten Axle Nut and Lug Nuts:
- Fully tighten the CV joint axle nut using a torque wrench according to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Lower the vehicle further and finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern with the torque wrench.
18. Test Drive and Check:
- Take the Pajero for a short test drive to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
- Check for any unusual sounds or vibrations.
Note:
- Consult your specific Pajero model's repair manual for exact torque specifications during reassembly.
- If the CV joint replacement is beyond your skill level or you encounter any difficulties during the process, it's advisable to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
