- 33 mm spanner
- T25 screwdriver
- 16 mm Allen key
- Wheel brace
- Jack and axle stands
- Drain pan
- Scraper or putty knife
- Replacement driveshaft(s)
- New circlip(s)
Instructions:
WARNING - It is *important* that the vehicle is raised so that the wheels can be removed. NEVER EVER EVER do ANY maintenance on a car raised by a jack. Use only properly rated axle stands.
1. Loosen the lug nuts on both front wheels.
2. Raise the vehicle and support it on axle stands.
3. Remove the front wheels.
4. Insert the 33 mm spanner into the rear-facing axle nut and hold the other end of the spanner with a T25 screwdriver.
5. Loosen the axle nut as much as possible from inside the wheel well
6. Remove the brake calliper from the front of the suspension and hang it with some mechanic's wire.
7. Locate the 16 mm Allen bolt on the wishbone and remove it with the Allen key.
8. Locate the two 19 mm bolts through the subframe and undo these.
9. The drive-shaft will fall away on one end (it may need some persuasion).
10. Pull the drive-shaft toward you as much as possible.
11. There is a large circlip holding the driveshaft in the gearbox - use a scraper or putty knife to lever the circlip out.
12. If replacing only one driveshaft, the next procedure is for the other side. If changing both, remove the old shaft completely and install the new shaft.
13. To remove the driveshaft from the gearbox, hold it in both hands and strike the end nearest to the gearbox with a small ballpeen hammer. If it doesn't fall out, pull it while striking it.
14. To reinstall, insert the driveshaft into the gearbox as far as it will go, then pull it out about one centimetre.
15. Install the new circlip.
16. Ensure that the Allen bolt is engaged as far as it will go into the wishbone.
17. Re-bolt the large bolts through the subframe.
18. Reinstall the brake calliper.
19. Tighten the axle nut as far as possible before lowering the vehicle (this will be final tightened later).
20. Carefully lower the vehicle until the wheels are just touching the ground. Tighten the axle nut completely.
21. Reinstall the front wheels.
22. Repeat the process for the other side if necessary.
