Drive Axle, Removing and Installing (Version With Splines on Inner Joint)

Drive axle, removing and installing (version with splines on inner joint)

Removing
- Remove trim cap from light-alloy wheels (puller in vehicle tool kit).
- Loosen securing nut (or bolt) 90°, otherwise the wheel bearing will be damaged.
- Lift vehicle far enough to relieve load on front wheels.
- Have a second technician press the brake pedal.
- Loosen securing nut (bolt) completely.
- Remove wheel.





- Mark positions of nuts.
- Remove bottom nuts from ball joint.
- Remove control arm from ball joint.





- Press out drive axle. Position tool as shown in illustration.

Note:
^ Make sure there is sufficient clearance when pressing out drive axle.
^ Do not allow the drive axle to hang down under its own weight, as this would bend the inner joint too far and damage it.

A second person is required for the next step





- Place aluminum wedge T10161 between transmission housing and inner triple roller joint.
- Force drive shaft out of gearbox with a firm blow to wedge tool T10161.
- Remove drive axle.

Installation is performed in reverse sequence; note the following:
- Clean inner splines of wheel hub.
- Circlip for drive axle must always be replaced if it has been removed.
- Screw in new flange bolt as far as possible.
- Lower vehicle, but make sure that wheels do not touch the ground yet.

Otherwise the wheel bearing could be subject to excessive load and damaged.

- Have a second technician press the brake pedal.
- Tighten flange bolt.